2007 Team Recruitment

“Who are the guys in orange??” Became a common question while traveling to Sea Otter and the Joe Martin Stage Race this spring. I’m certain that Team Rubicon is a known team in the Northwest, but I think that their recent travels and performances brought a new level of recognition to the team that seemingly came out of nowhere. Pro riders, team directors, the announcers, even the riders from Spain were asking the question - “who are the guys in orange??”

It’s not a new question. The other team in orange, team Euskaltel Euskadi, made their mark in international cycling several years ago with a stage win in the Tour de France, the world’s most famous bike race. This win coincided with our entry into the US market and we were asked the question non stop. There was a big buzz about Team Euskaltel and everyone was cheered for the guys that came out of nowhere aboard Orbea bicycles. The fans had new underdogs to cheer for and the underdogs had a great story and gave reason to yell “AUPA!” (GO or YEA!)

To hear the question again has been like having deja vu. Another team in orange with a great story, making a big impression on Orbea bikes. I am fortunate to know the story behind Team Rubicon, to know the riders and to know that people that make everything happen. The whole package makes the perfect poster for US cycling – likeable athletes getting results for a good cause on a shoestring budget. How could you not cheer? How could other people not cheer if they knew the story?    -Justin Slarks, ORBEA - USA