February 08, 2017 – 2017 will see the continued growth of the Vancouver based U23 team with the addition of new partners and team members. Heading into the third year of existence, the young squad is excited about a new partnership with the Quebec based company Garneau; giving the team its handle of Smart Savvy+ Garneau U23 Cycling Team.
“Garneau is proud to help emerging riders from all across the country. Our association with Smart Savvy+ Garneau U23 Cycling Team allows us to reinforce our support to the best young guys in the West! The Team is a fantastic showcase for our Garneau Dream factory trilogy concept. By wearing custom Garneau clothing, helmets and riding Garneau custom bikes, the team will have the tools to win races with the best equipment while wearing clothes and accessories presenting a unique design”, declared Global Marketing Director for Garneau, Eric Sakalowsky.
“Garneau is an iconic Canadian brand, and we are excited to have them on board with our team this year. The guys are very excited to be on Garneau bikes and sporting their kits for the 2017 season and beyond,” declares returning athlete and Co-captain Joshua Kropf.
The Prospera Valley Granfondo, #PVGF2017, the only not for profit event of its kind on the west coast has also become a supporting partner of the team. The Prospera Valley Granfondo mission is to promote healthy living while building strong community leaders. Cycling is the vehicle that realizes this objective. Now in its sixth year, proceeds from the event are given to youth cycling initiatives like Bridge the Gap, Cycling BC iRide Program, and DEVO Junior Cycling program. “The new Partnership with Smart Savvy+ Garneau U23 Cycling Team allows the event to support youth from the ages of 5 right up to 23, building a real future for the community,” states PVGF Event Director Marc Campbell.
The team will be powered by the Applewood Nissan Prospera Valley Granfondo vehicles wrapped by Vancouver Car Wraps and the Dream Factory custom Garneau A1 Gennix Aero Road Bikes will be whipping along with Easton Cycling components such as the top tier EC90 Aero and SL wheel sets, and the newly released E100 handlebar.
The Smart Savvy+ Garneau U23 Cycling Team would like to thank all of the returning and previous years’ partners who have invested in the program. This continued support has allowed the team to ride into 2017 with great aspirations that will help them reach the specified goal of developing athletes and community leaders whilst continuing to grow the sport for years to come.
2017 Roster:
– Alex Amiri (Victoria, VC)
– Joshua Kropf (Caronport, SK)
– Lukas Conly (Saskatoon, SK)
– Mitch Kettler (Winnipeg, MB)
– Jake Cullen (Vancouver, BC)
– Connor Toppings (Calgary, AB)
– Kellen Viznaugh (Revelstoke, BC)
– Chris Macleod (Victoria, BC)
– Vonn Winkelmann (Vancouver, BC)
– Adam Attwell (Victoria, BC)
Team Director: Barret Kropf
The 2017 partnership team includes:
Smart Savvy+ Associates, Garneau, Prospera Valley Granfondo, Applewood Nissan, Muscle MLK Canada, Easton, Coaching For Life, Bert’s Electric, Coca Cola, Adidas, Vancouver Car Wraps, Trinity Western University, Rare Earth Real Estate, Scott Allen, Harris & Blake Fine Cabinetry and BC Bike Fit.