Following a successful fourth year, which saw another four of its riders graduate to the professional ranks, the Global Relay Bridge the Gap (GRBTG) board is pleased to announce that the program has been extended for another four years by Global Relay and will support its biggest class ever in 2017.
With Gillian Ellsay, Alex Cataford, Ben Perry, and Annie Foreman-Mackey having earned spots on professional cycling teams, and several other riders becoming alumni, GRBTG will welcome 14 new riders in 2017, for a record-sized class of 33 riders (17 men and 16 women) from across Canada. The Fund will also continue to support grassroots cycling development initiatives by providing several youth cycling clubs across Canada with financial and coaching support.
The Bridge the Gap fund was a created by Vancouver tech leader Global Relay in November 2012, with the support of current and former Canadian cycling professionals Svein Tuft (Orica-Scott), Ryan Anderson (Direct Energie), Will Routley, Erinne Willock and Andrew Pinfold. The Fund’s mission is
“To facilitate the advancement of aspiring Canadian Olympic road cyclists through mentorship, coaching, and financial support.”
Bridge the Gap Director Andrew Pinfold said the future looks bright for cycling in Canada, thanks to the investment companies like Global Relay are making in supporting the country’s best up-and-coming athletes and bolstering youth programs and initiatives.
“I want to thank Global Relay for continuing to support this important program for another four years,” said Pinfold. “In 2012, they took a chance and invested in our ideas about how to progress cycling in Canada. I am proud of the success and progress that we have been a part of since then and I am excited about what is to come.”
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