American's Bookwalter and Rosskopf to support Richie Porte at La Vuelta

American's Brent Bookwalter and Joey Rosskopf to support BMC Racing's GC favorite Richie Porte at the Vuelta a Espana starting next week

Richie Porte will make his return to racing on Saturday (25 August) as he headlines BMC Racing Team’s strong and well-rounded Vuelta a España roster.

Sports Director Jackson Stewart said that Porte will be joined on the start line for the third and final Grand Tour of the year by a team that brings a wealth of experience and talent to the race.

Bookwalter said "I raced La Vuelta once before in 2012 and it’s been such a long time since I was there, that it almost feels like a new race for me. I definitely feel like I have grown a lot as a person and as a rider since then so, I am excited to go back this year and hopefully have a little more impact on the race than I did in 2012."

"I didn’t do a Grand Tour last year and I think that created a little more desire and hunger to get back to the insanity of a three-week race. This is one of the most competitive races of the season and we have a really deep team so, whether it’s working for one of my teammates or trying to find an opportunity for myself, I think I am just focused on trying to do my personal best every day."

Joey Rosskopf said “I am excited to be back racing at the Vuelta a España. It was the first Grand Tour of my career in 2015 in my first year with the team but, I am hoping to make it through in a lot better shape than I did that year. I think we are taking a super strong team so we will see how the race plays out but I would definitely like to do as best I can in the two time trials. I always like to try and perform well in my national champion’s skinsuit and I am always motivated for those. I think the second time trial is more interesting to me. The first is maybe a bit short and with all of the fresh legs in the peloton at the start of the race, it will be hard for me. However, if I can make it through the race in good shape, I would like to see what I can do on stage 16. I have surprised myself in the past on a late time trial at a Grand Tour in 2017 at the Giro d’Italia.”

Ride with Brent at the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo!

Brent Bookwalter of BMC Racing Team will host the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo on October 27, 2018 at Warren Wilson College in Asheville NC.

The Bookwalter Binge is a relaxed Gran Fondo ride, studded with racing on timed segments of tough climbs that provide an epic challenge to all.

Three routes of varying length traverse some of the most beautiful roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina: 7,000 ft of climbing in 87 miles, 5,800 ft in 72 miles, or 2,850 ft in 39 miles.

This is a unique opportunity to ride alongside female and male pro cyclists as they celebrate the end of their season racing all over the world and the country. The accessible pros ride all three routes, and along with Brent, they are inspired by cyclists of all backgrounds and abilities.

To Register

Registration for the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo is limited to 300 riders. Register at Active.com. For more information, visit BookwalterBinge.com or call 828-412-4242.