Gran Fondo is proud to be the sponsor of one of the hottest new racing teams in the state, The Gran Fondo Cycles Masters' Team. The idea for the team evolved from the desires of owners Greg Hinote and Lynn Greer to form a unique team of masters riders (riders older than 35). In a sport sometimes thought to be the domain of the young and spry, it has been especially sweet for the newly-formed Gran Fondo team to have members repeatedly placing in the top overall spots in races and earning top spots in the points standings for all masters categories. "We saw the commitment level and experience of the masters riders to personify what riding is all about for a large majority of the Gran Fondo customer base. These talented riders are somewhat "living the dream" for all us recreational riders out there. Even though they are 35 or older and for the most part family guys, they are successfully training, racing, winning, and getting better every year," according to Hinote.

The 12 member team is comprised of experienced masters who have already made mark for themselves in the competitive cycling world. As demonstrated in the team profiles, the guys have an impressive resume of racing accomplishments and are easily considered some of the best riders in the state. Besides sharing individual histories of racing wins, "the team shares an unselfish commitment to ride to get the best guy in the right spot, bring pride to cycling and Gran Fondo, and have fun doing our best at a sport we truly love," according to team captain Byron Taylor.

The team participates in all Tennessee Bicycle Racing Association (TBRA) events, as well as selected races in neighboring states. Several of the team are already scheduled to go to Master's Nationals in Louisville in August. By early June, the team had managed to earn four of the top five rankings in TBRA's Veterans (35+) Category, two of the top five rankings in Masters 45+ and team captain Byron Taylor is ranked 3rd in the Masters 55+ Category.

The team is currently riding a custom inventory of Tommasini framesets imported for the team's first racing season. Depending on rider style and desires, Gran Fondo has assisted each member in building up his competition ride to capitalize on the Tommasini geometries and qualities. Team members are currently riding models Granducato, CarboFire, and Fire to great success.

Gran Fondo has further assisted the team in lining up additional sponsorship from clothing and gear lines sold at the retail store, including Briko helmets and eyewear, Nalini clothing, Bontrager wheels and Carnac shoes. Carmichael Training Systems (CTS) is also a sponsor, providing training schedules and other support. CTS is headed by training guru Chris Carmichael who trains elite cyclists like Lance Armstrong and George Hincapie. Nashville Construction Company, a premier home builder, also provided support for the team. Hammer Nutrition assists the team with its nutritional needs.

The masters team usually trains individually or in small groups of experienced riders. Everyone is dedicated to a rigid training schedule. In the off season the guys are prone to assisting in leading the Gran Fondo group rides and can be quite a help to riders just getting into the sport. "We really enjoy the opportunity to give back by helping new riders and those wanting to improve their riding skills. Gran Fondo does a great job of cultivating a group ride format where the new rider and the people who want to stretch their legs a little can both find what they need in the group rides.This often means splitting the group, but we usually start together and get a chance to loop back with certain routes," according to team member Robert Gregory.

In the fall of 2003, the masters team members will be assisting Gran Fondo in providing riding camps designed to provide a high mileage weekend of riding centered around the Natchez Trace Parkway to persons visiting Nashville. The shop will assist participants in shipping their bike and providing long guided rides with awesome fall scenery and a few hills for good measure.

Click Here for our race resume and results!