Key Takeaways:
– Project Echelon Racing returns in 2025 with a 15-rider roster aiming for greater victories
– Past season major contributors such as Stephen Bassett, Brendan Rhim, and Scott McGill continue to feature in the lineup
– Four new talents are added to the team, including U23 Canadian ITT national champion Jonas Walton
– Tyler Stites leaves the team for a two-year contract with Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
– The team sets sights on being the top UCI Continental Team by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games
Seasoned Roster Gearing for Upcoming Challenges
Project Echelon Racing returns to the tracks for the third year at the Continental level in 2025. The team has revealed a 15-rider lineup, eyeing to surpass their past season’s achievement of 26 race wins. Veterans Stephen Bassett, Brendan Rhim, and Scott McGill have been retained, focusing on the long-term goal of performing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
New Opportunities Beckon with Departure of Key Players
Since 2022, Tyler Stites has been leading the squad. However, the 26-year-old is set to move to Caja Rural-Seguros RGA on a two-year contract. Despite this departure, along with Zach Gregg and Matt Zimmer, the team remains optimistic with 11 returning riders and the introduction of four new faces.
Promising New Talent in the Pipeline
Newly enlisted US riders Cole Davis, Kieran Haug, Troy Fields and Jonas Walton are expected to bolster the team’s strength. In particular, Walton, the U23 Canadian ITT national champion, brings on board exceptional prowess.
Past Season’s Success Sets Ambitious Goals
Reflecting on their most successful season since their foundation in 2016, team founder and race director Eric Hill remarked, “With a total of 26 wins that included a National Championship, several North American GC wins, and five UCI Europe Tour victories, replicating those results is objective number one.”
Keeping the Spirit Alive with Cultural Leaders
For the upcoming season, the team will look towards Bassett for leadership. However, Hill insists that since the strength of the team is the team itself, anyone can grab the limelight on any given day. He highlights the roles of riders like Sam Boardman, Ricky Arnopol, and Laurent Gervais who often act as the ultimate teammates, fulfilling their responsibilities diligently.
Fresh Opportunities for Deserving Candidates
Apart from retaining the old faces, the Project Echelon Racing director asserted that new talent will also get opportunities to shine. Riders like Gervais, who often played support roles in the past, are expected to step up with the new season. Hugo Scala, known for his first-ever Pro win at Vuelta Portugal, is set to have a breakout year.
Promising Future for Project Echelon Racing
By reinforcing the team with new talent and retaining experienced hands, Project Echelon is all set to maintain its status as one of North America’s most active teams. With the US National Championships as a major goal and eyes set on European contests, the team is undoubtedly aligned for a promising future.
Focused on the 2028 LA Olympics, Project Echelon envisions to gain top recognition as a UCI Continental Team. They also commit to continuing their mission of “educating, equipping and empowering veterans through physical activity” while bringing growth to cycling in North America.
The complete Project Echelon Racing roster for 2025 includes Ricky Arnopol, Stephen Bassett, Cade Bickmore, Sam Boardman, Caleb Classen, Ethan Craine, Cole Davis, Laurent Gervais, Kieran Haug, Troy Fields, Colby Lange, Scott McGill, Brendan Rhim, Hugo Scala, and Jonas Walton. With such a packed team, fans can eagerly await the upcoming races in the new season.