Bobcats sponsored by industry elites on road to success
Legendary American cyclist Greg LeMond donated 10 Revolution Trainers earlier this year.
BANNER ELK, N.C. --- The Lees-McRae College cycling program has received generous donations from several highly recognized names in the cycling industry, announced College officials Wednesday.
“Any time people donate products to support a team or endeavor it is special,” said Director of Athletics Craig McPhail. “The belief these companies have in us allows us to market ourselves as the best. This opportunity will help us further our brand as one of the best collegiate cycling teams in the country attracting top, young talent to wear the Green and Gold.”
Sidi America and Greg LeMond headline the list, and are joined by Gore, Smith Optics, Verse Wear, and Dr. Houck Medford, former CEO and founder of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. Sidi is one of the industry’s premier footwear outfitters, and has agreed to supply 40 pairs of perhaps the highest quality shoes on the market for Lees-McRae’s “A” riders. Sidi’s president, Al Budris, also serves as the chair of Lees-McRae’s cycling advisory board.
“Sidi America is proud of our partnership with Lees-McRae [College] and its cycling program,” said Budris. “In an effort to assist in the recruitment of mountain bike cyclists to the College, providing space for Lees-McRae at several targeted NICA events seemed like a very logical and strategic step to make. I am hopeful the College will be able to reach an even greater group of riders as a result of this partnership.”
Three-time Tour de France winner and USA cycling legend Greg LeMond, on behalf of his company, LeMond Fitness, has also made a generous donation to the Lees-McRae College cycling program. LeMond redefined the sport of cycling in the United States during the 1980’s and 90’s, taking home three Tour de France titles, including back-to-back wins in 1989 and 1990. He also became the first American to win arguably the world’s most famous cycling race (Tour de France) in 1986.
The two-time UCI Road Race World Championships winner has donated 10 of his company’s LeMond Revolution trainers, which is a direct drive indoor bike trainer that integrates directly with the bike’s drive train. LeMond has also donated a pair of RevMaster spin bikes, which is the highest quality spin bike on the market with a 35-pound fly wheel on the front and a nearly silent ride.
“Having a cycling icon like Greg LeMond at Lees-McRae is another giant step toward our ultimate goal of being the top college for cycling in America. Our thanks go out to Greg for his recent donation of LeMond Fitness Trainers and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship,” said President Barry M. Buxton.
Gore has supplied the Bobcats with 50 of its Ride On Cable Systems, which are completely sealed low friction bike cable systems that keep everything inside a sealed tube system. Lees-McRae riders will have no trouble seeing where they’re going on the course in the near future, as Smith Optics has agreed to provide each of the Bobcats’ “A” riders with top-of-the-line sunglasses, while also providing Lees-McRae with discount codes for future orders.
Medford and Verse have each sponsored the Bobcats with apparel to add to the professionalism of the team, donating a healthy supply of polo’s and hats, respectively, that sport the Lees-McRae cycling logo and allow the Bobcats to travel and ride in style.
Lees-McRae College, a four-year, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA, is located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina. Being a year-round tourist destination, the area provides the best of a vibrant college community coupled with natural beauty and a rich history. Please seewww.lmc.edu for more information.
- LMC -
