Hincapie Barkley Development Team Focuses on the Future of Cycling

Greenville, S.C. - Hincapie(TM) Sportswear, Inc. (Hincapie), manufacturer and marketer of distinctive clothing for the performance cyclist, and Barkley, one of the largest independent advertising agencies in the U.S., are partnering to create a new development cycling team that focuses on riders under 23 years old. The Hincapie Barkley Development Team will consist of eleven 15-23 year-old development riders and four elite racers.

The Team is focused on promoting the sport of cycling through an experienced-rider mentoring program that allows U23/Junior riders to race and train with experienced Pro/Elite cyclists. The mentors will provide guidance in every aspect of the sport, including training techniques, racing strategy, nutrition and sports psychology. Riders will also be supported with some of the best racing equipment in the world, including new Giant TCR Advanced carbon fiber bicycles. The Hincapie Barkley Development Team, which is based out of Greenville, S.C., will participate in various sanctioned USA Cycling events throughout the year.

“We have promoted cycling on many levels from event promotion to race team management, and this is the next step in our support of the sport,” said Rich Hincapie, Hincapie Barkley Team Leader and president of Hincapie Sportswear. “My brother, George, and I understand how far you can go in this sport when you have quality opportunities, and we’re proud to provide support to these talented junior cyclists.”

Rich and George Hincapie are both products of USA Cycling’s junior development program. The aim of the Hincapie Barkley Development Team is to provide the missing link between casual competition and racing on the elite pro level. Racers on the Hincapie Barkley Team will be groomed and managed to help them graduate from the amateur ranks into the pro peloton.

“Two-time National Champion Craig Lewis was a rider on our Hincapie Elite Team several years ago,” said Rich Hincapie. “He recently signed a professional contract to ride with George on Team High Road (formerly T-Mobile), one of the most prestigious pro teams in the world. In addition to Craig’s success, our Elite Team has also developed numerous National and World Champions, so we know the program can succeed.”

“Barkley is proud to partner with Hincapie Sportswear,” said Brian Brooker, CEO and chief creative officer, Barkley. “This unique opportunity is a natural extension of Barkley’s active, engaging culture. Our agency is continually exploring new ways to learn more about how people are living their lives, and the Hincapie Barkley Development Team is a strong example of that philosophy.”

Hincapie Development Team Roster:
U23 Development Riders
Ben Gabardi - JR Cat 3, Jackson, MS; 2007 13/14 JR National TT and Criterium Champion
Tyler Karnes - JR Cat 3, Chesapeake, VA
Evan Wynn - JR Cat 3, Asheville, NC
A.J. Meyer - JR Cat 2, Cohutta, GA
Ty Magner - JR Cat 2, Griffen, GA
Nick Housley - JR Cat 2, Atlanta, GA
David Talbott - U23 Cat 2, Signal Mountain, TN
Chris Butler - U23 Cat 2, Hilton Head, SC; Furman University Student
David Hutton - U23 Cat 1, Monroe, OH; Furman University Student
Angela Austin - U23 Cat 4, Greenville, SC
Cinthia Lehner - Cat 4, Greenville, SC

Elite Team Mentors
Rich Hincapie - Cat 1, Greenville, SC; over 25 years of experience racing on the professional and elite amateur levels
Steve Carpenter - Cat 1, Chattanooga, TN; over 20 years of cycling success including three top-seven finishes at the Masters National Road and Time Trial Championships, two Tennessee Best Area Rider Jerseys and multiple District Championships
Steve Baker - Cat 3, Greenville, SC; over 20 years racing and training experience
Nicole Bossie - Cat 2, Greenville, SC; several years of valuable experience competing on the women’s national racing circuit

About Hincapie(TM) Sportswear, Inc.:
Hincapie(TM) Sportswear, Inc., headquartered in Greenville, S.C., is a manufacturer and marketer of distinctive clothing for the performance cyclist. The company creates premium, custom cycling apparel and accessories for competitive teams and clubs. Hincapie also manufactures a retail line of high-tech, performance cycling apparel and accessories available through bicycle retailers nationwide. For more information, please visit www.HincapieSports.com.

About Barkley:
Barkley is the largest employee-owned agency of its kind. Founded in 1964, the company has 300 partners offering a full range of marketing communications services including advertising, public relations, cause branding, sponsorships and events, relationship marketing, social media, design, media planning and buying, motion graphics, research, and interactive marketing. Barkley is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., with field offices across the nation. For more information, please visit www.barkleyus.com.