September 20, 2016 – The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team is proud to bring together a strong and motivated men’s team in 2017. The roster includes returning riders and new faces, and looks to build upon the successes of previous years with even more wins across the country. After 10 years of racing both road and criteriums races, the team will be shifting towards stage races and single day road events in 2017.
This reflects the changing dynamic of racing in the United States, with more focus being placed on multi day events. The team is built for stage wins and general classification victories at competitions such as The Tour of the Gila, The Tour of California, and The Tour of Utah. We are excited to be building a calendar of races that will provide our riders the chance they need to shine, plus giving some great opportunities to work with our partners in exciting ways.
Mike Tamayo, General Manager of the UnitedHealthcare Team, is excited to see these changes, “The riders we have selected are a mix of young and experienced. Youthful enthusiasm is very important for us, it drives us to give it our all in every race. The older riders serve the purpose of bringing real world racing experience to the table. This will be critical in the multi-day racing, where every effort and every move needs to be thought out.”
Returning to the team from 2016 are a core of nine riders that have shown themselves to be versatile in all races across the country. Tanner Putt (USA) rejoins the team after taking his first professional win at the Tour of Alberta at the end of this season. Daniel Jaramillo (COL) showed his stage race ability at the 2016 Tour of the Gila, with a win on the Gila Monster stage of the race. Joining him is hugely successful stage racer Janier Acevedo (COL), who has a stage victory from the Tour of California on his resume, alongside a third place on the general classification from the same race.
Coming from the WorldTour, veteran racer Greg Henderson (NZ) will provide the backbone of race tactics for the team in the largest events. Having previously ridden for the momentum sports managed team from 2004-2006, Henderson will feel at home with UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling. “I want to play a really vital part, not only in results but in melding the team together. I think that is definitely one of my attributes as a bike rider. I am looking forward to bringing that to UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling”
One of the most consistent and successful riders on the US domestic circuit is Travis McCabe (USA). A stalwart on the podium in recent years, McCabe’s fast finish will be dangerous when paired with the leadout prowess of Henderson. With the versatility to mix it up not only in bunch finishes, but also in smaller breakaway situations, McCabe will be the perfect stage race sprinter to complement the hard work of the rest of the team.
Also joining the squad is Canada’s Alex Cataford, a former U23 TT national champ, who has been riding for Silber Pro Cycling and recently finished fifth overall at the Tour of Alberta also taking home the Red Jersey as the Best Canadian rider. Earlier this season Cataford was second overall at the Tour of the Gila.
“Looking forward to a great 2017 and excited to let people know I’ll be racing for @UHCprocycling next year. A big thanks to @SilberProTeam for all the support over the past two year. Best development program in Canada,” tweeted Cataford.
2017 UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team Men’s Roster
– Janier Acevedo
– Carlos Alzate
– Alex Cataford
– Jonny Clarke
– Daniel Eaton
– Sebastian Haedo
– Adrian Hegyvary
– Greg Henderson
– Daniel Jaramillo
– Chris Jones
– Luke Keough
– Gavin Mannion
– Travis McCabe
– Lachlan Norris
– Tanner Putt
– Danny Summerhill