GeorgeHincapie.com

Season Nineteen

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It seems like just yesterday when I joined Motorola in 1994 for my first season as a pro. I was 19 at the time and ready to take on the world. This past week I spent my time training with the new BMC-Hincapie Sportswear Development Cycling Team riders. It's their first season as pros. As I rode along with them and observed them during the week, it was fun to see them going through the same experiences and challenges that I had long ago.

Now as I begin my 19th season as a professional bike racer, I still have the same love for the sport as I did as a neo pro. Although I am now more experienced and have hundreds of thousands of kilometers in my legs, it’s a thrill to compete at the top level of the sport with what I believe is the best team in the world. I also still find enjoyment on the bike by being able to share my experience with our development team riders and up-and-coming teammates such as Tejay Van Garderen and Taylor Phinney. Their enthusiasm really keeps me going.

My season preparation is now almost complete. After two back-to-back training camps my fitness is as good as it's ever been in February and I feel on track to begin racing in March. My first races will be in Italy, starting with the Strade Bianchi one day race, followed by the Tirreno-Adriatico stage race and then the first classic of the season, Milano-San Remo. I can't wait to get started.

--George

Development Team Training Camp

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It was great to spend this past weekend at the first team camp for the new BMC-Hincapie Sportswear Development Cycling Team. We took the crew to Nassau for several days of riding and team building activities. The focus of this first camp was all about everyone getting to know each other and to start working as a team through some off-the-bike adventures. Most of the riding we did was at a casual conversation pace. However, the boys did turn it up a couple of times the last few days to put me in the red zone. After the rides, the boys enjoyed some group ocean activities that will help them create the bonds they will need during the racing season to work together as a team.

I’m super excited about the mix of riders we’ve put together. They each have unique skills on the bike and personalities. It’s going to be fun to watch them work together in bike races and develop into champions as a team.

--George

To see more pictures of the training camp and to follow the BMC-Hincapie Sportswear Cycling Team during the 2012 season, please visit their Facebook page.

Ride with Big George

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Come Ride with George

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you've always wanted to ride with George, now's your chance. George will be attending two charity rides this Fall where you can roll alongside him for a good cause. On Saturday October 22, George will be riding in the Save-A-Limb Ride in Oregon Ridge Park, Maryland. Proceeds from this ride will go towards helping someone struggling with a limb or joint deformity. The following weekend on Sunday, October 30th, George will be in Charleston, South Carolina for the Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope. The Rider for Hope uses cycling to raise money for the fight against cancer. We hope you'll be able to join George in raising money for one of these great causes.