Cimarrones Cycling President Lombardo Amaya announced a new team website and invites the cycling community on a training ride this Sunday, June 7, 2009.
In 1987, a group of local cycling enthusiasts led by Rumanian former Olympian Dmitri Nemteanu began the Imperial Valley Velo Club.For several years, the club very actively organized criteriums, time trials, and road races all around the Imperial Valley.LarryCowne, ScottFinnell, CarterTaylor, RickWebb, RaulAlvarez, and TonyDarr were early stalwart members.KenClaverie aided in the publication of a regular newsletter about the group’s achievements, training methods, and upcoming events.
Due to the international success of Americans Greg Lemond and LanceArmstrong, the sport of cycling has grown beyond its fringe status in the USNow, the Imperial Valley and Mexicali areas include about 300 serious enthusiasts and hundreds if not thousands more casual riders pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
BrianMcNeece revived the club in 2003 through a simple email list.Since then the club’s activities have grown to include this website and an annual USA Cycling-sanctioned criterium in Imperial that is part of the SoCal Cup racing series.The Imperial Classic now attracts top talent from many nearby states in the US and Mexico.Former participants at the IV Velo Club’s Imperial Classic have gone on to compete in the USA’s premier pro cycling event, the Tour of California.
In 2009, Olympic cyclist SarahHammer entered (and won) the event and sang its praises.“I’ll be back next year,” she said. “This is a great race with a unique community feel.”
The overall goal is to enjoy the sport of cycling. The Imperial Valley Velo Club welcomes cyclists of all ages, from juniors to masters. And we would love to have you join in on the fun. Sign up today and join the fun!
Current officers are BrianMcNeece, President; TonyDarr, Vice-president; GaryGlud, Treasurer; DebiRoman, Secretary. Other directors are RaySoto and RaulAlvarez.
Annual Dues are $25 per year.
Mission
To have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow cyclists
To build the sport through organized group rides and races
To promote a healthy lifestyle through the sport of cycling
Brian