Hincapie Development Team 2014 In Review

Hincapie Development Team – What a year 2014 was!

2014 marked my first year of being the official chiropractor for the Hincapie Development Team.  I’ve been involved with cycling teams as a team chiropractor with virtually all levels of cycling for over three decades.  This past year has by all measures been the most exciting, enjoyable and gratifying team experience of the past 30.

The Hincapie Development team consists of a group of young aspiring cyclists who are aiming for the next level of professional cycling.  The Hincapie brothers and international wealth manager Mark Holowesko have created a vehicle to help launch these young riders into the ranks of domestic and international pro teams.
Early in 2014, I had the opportunity to meet the team at a training camp arranged by team manager and former pro Thomas Craven.

It was obvious to me that there was a special “chemistry” among the team members as they joked around during the photo shoot for the website.  They were obviously enjoying their camp, and there was an paternal ease about the way the way Craven managed the team.
The season began and it became obvious very quickly that these were special guys.  I attended an early season race known as the Athens Twilight Criterium.  Even though the team didn’t achieve the top podium position (Ty Magner was nicked at the line by .1 of a second) it was obvious that they had the firepower to maintain a level of control over the maelstrom known as Athens Twilight.
As the season progressed, the major North American stage races proved to be a showcase for the balance of talent of Hincapie Development.  The names Rosskopf, Carpenter, and Magner, along with Skujins, Schmalz, Lewis, Butler and Smith all wound up atop the podium at multiple races throughout the year.

Hincapie Development Team in Velo Magazine

This past week, I received my December issue of Velo Magazine. The December issue featured luminaries from across the pantheon of international cycling.  This issue was the magazine’s end of season edition to award acclaim to those it considered cyclings best and brightest.

Featured among the international field of cyclists were two very familiar faces.  Joey Rosskopf was awarded the “Breakthrough Rider of the Year” accolade, and Robin Carpenter was awarded the “Best U23 (under 23 years of age) Rider” of 2014.
The good news for Joey was that his breakthrough caused the very significant BMC professional cycling team to sit up and take notice.  For 2015, Joey will be riding for BMC.
2015 is almost upon us, and I look forward to what the new year will bring for Hincapie Development with the roster maintaining most of 2014’s firepower.  The one domestic stage race whose invitation eluded the Hincapie Development Team for 2014 was the Amgen Tour of California, arguably one of the most prestigious races in the United States. Surely they will not fail to notice the success of the Hincapie Development Team when they send out invitations for 2015.
Best wishes in 2015 guys, I enjoyed the ride!