Haute Route Launches U23 Program in North America

Former U.S. Men’s National Team Director Michael Sayers Named Program Manager

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 21, 2017) – Haute Route, the world’s most prestigious multi-day event series for amateur cyclists, today announced the launch of its U23 Program with former U.S. Men’s National Team Director Michael Sayers at the helm. Riders under the age of 23 and U23 teams that sign up for the program will receive exclusive benefits, including special pricing for Haute Route events.

“The Haute Route U23 program aims to provide a platform for young riders to experience multi-day competitive events, foster parent-child bonding through cycling, and teach the basics of discipline, hard work and organizational skills,” said Alain Lambert, Chairman Haute Route North America. “Michael’s unique expertise makes him the perfect fit to help us enable and empower more young people to experience the thrill of riding and finishing an Haute Route event.”

Program benefits include discounts for individuals and team entry fees, child/parent pricing, special coaching packages offered by Haute Route Official Coaching Partner Carmichael Training Systems and free TrainingPeaks Premium accounts. U23 members are expected to be brand champions for Haute Route in their respective local markets. Riders in the program will be asked to reach out to their cycling network and connect with others who would enjoy the Haute Route experience.

"Haute Route offers one of the greatest development tools available for young riders both on and off the bike,” said Michael Sayers, Haute Route U23 Program Manager. “Teams can use Haute Route events to fine tune skills in a real-world cycling environment, without the pressure associated with sanctioned racing, and young riders can experience what it means to compete with peers on their own terms in a multi-day, long distant event.”

Prior to founding the Dai! Endurance Studio located in Sacramento, California, Sayers led the men’s U23 development program for USA Cycling as Director of Men’s Elite Athletes. In that role, he also oversaw USA Cycling’s National team and managed riders, staff and logistics at World Championships and other world class events. A two-time Olympian, Michael was head coach for the Men’s Olympic Cycling Team at the London Olympics (2012) and Rio Olympics (2016).

As part of the launch of its U23 program, Haute Route also unveiled partnerships with the Miller School of Albemarle and Team California.

“Recognizing Haute Route events as the perfect training format for riders of all ages, the Miller School and Team California have committed to sending riders to Haute Route San Francisco and Haute Route Asheville,” added Lambert. “The members of each team will become Haute Route brand ambassadors and will enthusiastically share their experience in their communities as well as at each event they participate in throughout the year. Having ridden the Mavic Haute Route Rockies with my eighteen-year son last June, I understand just how much the Haute Route caters to all age groups, young and old. We look forward to having more young riders at all our events.”

Team California Co-Director and four-time National Champion cyclist, Freddie “Fast Freddie” Rodriguez, described the partnership as “a unique opportunity for Team California riders to participate in an Haute Route event to both boost their fitness and provide exposure to our sponsors to a wider audience than the traditional narrow racing segment.”

“I rode the Haute Route San Francisco test event in October and I can confirm that this event, like all other Haute Route events, is uniquely challenging and will provide amateur cyclists with yet another exceptional experience,” added Rodriguez.

VIDEO: Haute Route Launches U23 Program in North America

About Haute Route

Haute Route was created in 2010 by global sports marketing and event company OC Sport to deliver an unparalleled professional experience both on and off the bike for amateur riders. Taking place in the world’s most iconic cycling destinations, the events are timed, ranked and fully supported with premium services typically reserved for the pro’s. Haute Route launched its first North American event in June of 2017 with the Mavic Haute Route Rockies. For more information and to access the full 2018 Haute Route calendar of events, which includes three new three-day U.S. events, Haute Route San Francisco (April 20-22), Haute Route Asheville (May 18-20) and Haute Route Utah (September 14-16), please visit www.hauteroute.org

About Miller School of Albemarle

Miller School of Albemarle (‘MSA’) is a coeducational day and boarding school (grades 8-12) located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Charlottesville, Virginia. The MSA Endurance Team, coached by professional cyclist Andrea Dvorak, is an internationally recognized high school cycling program and a USA Cycling Center of Excellence. Their global team is united by a passion for cycling and a drive to succeed in both sport and academics. Having garnered multiple national championships, college scholarships, UCI World Championship team selections, and professional cycling contracts, MSA has proven to be the world's premier high school for developing junior riders.

Please visit: https://www.msaendurance.com

About Team California

Team California is a U25 development program born in Northern California and is the only development program on the West Coast with a focus on developing riders at the highest level. Managing Director AJ Kennedy and Sport Director Kirk Carlsen have partnered with four-time US National Champion Freddie Rodriguez to make Team California a top tier program.