Endorsements
On September 12, 2019 Foundation for American Track Cycling Managing Director Bob Francis was elected to USA Cycling Track Committee
Learn more: https://www.usacycling.org/article/elections-brings-8-new-members-to-sport-committees
Below are statements in support of Bob Francis, FATC Managing Director, during the 2019 elections for the At-Large position on the USA Cycling Track Committee.
Christina Birch
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to express my support for Bob Francis for the At-Large position within USA Cycling’s Track Committee.
I have known Bob for nearly my entire journey in track cycling the past 4 years. He has been a positive and influential presence in the track cycling scene throughout the Southwest, as an athlete, team director, race promoter, and sponsor.
I know Bob best through his work with his 501c3, the Foundation for American Track Cycling. Through his Foundation, Bob has had made a real impact on the development of riders at various levels in the sport by helping meet their individual needs and providing tailored support. For example, Bob’s work with the Foundation was instrumental in giving me the support I needed to race in the Six Day series in Europe for the first time. Bob’s Foundation also provided me with the opportunity to give back to the sport by connecting me with up-and-coming riders like Kayla Hankins and facilitating our mentor-mentee relationship.
As an active racer in the Los Angeles track community, I have observed Bob’s dedication to growing track cycling firsthand. He has creative ideas for how to increase racer involvement, skills, and overall enjoyment in track cycling. This impact is evident in his support for Junior racing in LA and in his ability to rally together and grow a track cycling community in Arizona, a state without a velodrome.
Bob brings a positive growth mindset to track cycling and has made a big impact working at the grassroots level. He has brought together riders (juniors, elites, and masters) and local cycling communities (racing associations, bike shops, supporters of his Foundation) and created race opportunities on a global scale (Six Day race support). I am confident he will bring a unique perspective to the USA Cycling Track Committee and will continue to work in our sport’s best interest.
Christina Birch
USA Track Cycling National Team
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Chris Carlson
Statement of Support for Bob Francis
August 22, 2019
I met Bob Francis in 1991 at the U.S. National Championships for Track Cycling. Bob and I went on to become training partners, teammates, and good friends. We raced together on the track and road for a number of years. We get to race together some today in masters track events. I consider Bob a genuine lover of bike racing, a student of the sport, and someone who deeply cares about the future success of the sport, particularly track cycling in the U.S. and the success of U.S. track cyclists in international competition.
As to the latter, individually and through his Foundation for American Track Cycling, Bob has been a help to a number of success stories all the way up to the World Championship and Olympic levels. I believe Bob would be an excellent member of the Track Committee. Bob has personally seen track cycling as a collegiate, elite, and now masters competitor. He has extensive racing experience in sprint and endurance events and understands the training and racing needs of both. He also understands how track cycling has changed over the years from the prospective of the racer, promoter, and fan. I encourage you to vote for Bob.
Regards,
Chris Carlson
Chris Carlson Cycling Coaching
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Nate Koch
August 25, 2019
RE: Endorsement of Bob Francis for USA Cycling Track Committee
From the very beginning of my career, Bob and the Foundation for American Track Cycling were by my side to assistant anyway needed. I am just one of many athletes that have had the privilege to be impacted by Bob and his drive to see track cyclist in America succeed. As we move towards the 2028 Olympics, we need people who are goal-oriented and determined to get results. Bob is exactly who we need to continue to move the sport of track cycling forward.
Nate Koch
Professional Track Cyclist (retired)
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Kayla Hankins
Sunday, August 25, 2019
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to express my support for Bob Francis for the At-Large position within USA Cycling’s Track Committee.
Bob has been extremely supportive of me for the last 3 years I have known him. I first met him as the director of the Foundation for American Track Cycling, where he took me on and supported my growth as a junior cyclist.
He has done much to contribute to the sport, such as directing the junior track series “Juniors Rule!” and directing FATC. His dedication is shown in the amount of time he puts in to helping riders, his participation in USAC events, and spreading the sport through positivity – did I mention he built a track community in a state without a velodrome?
As a junior female track cyclist who is part of the USA Cycling Olympic Development Program, an ambassador of FATC, and on LUX Cycling, Bob has been a positive influence in my own personal development in the sport and I have witnessed the impact he has made on cyclists and organizations around the nation.
Bob is extremely well qualified for this position, and will bring a fresh energy and perspective to the USA Cycling Track Committee.
Kayla Hankins
LUX Development Cycling Team
USA Cycling Olympic Development Program
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Domonic Suozzi
August 25, 2019
Dear USA Cycling members, I am writing this letter on behalf of a very influential member and mentor in our cycling community. Bob Francis and The Foundation for American Track Cycling has been helping me and most of the struggling Pro American track cyclist since 2016, providing us with the opportunity to make it to international events to gain experience or even to race at the UCI Track World Cup in Los Angeles. In the last year I have spent many hours training and racing with Bob and the rest of the Foundation for American Track Cycling crew. Not only have they helped me continue to progress in the sport but allowed me to remember why I became involved in the sport in the first place- Bob showed me again what it meant to truly love the sport of track cycling. For that simple reason I see Bob Francis as being the perfect person for the USA Cycling Track Committee, not only does he have the sport at heart and truly understand the passion but I see it as his mission to promote that passion and spread it. No better person for the job!
Domonic Suozzi
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Brian Abers
August 26, 2019
To Whom It May Concern:
It has been my privilege to have known Bob Francis over several years as an outspoken supporter of track cycling in the United States. His tireless efforts both within the Foundation for American Track Cycling, which has assisted numerous athletes in the achievement of their cycling goals, and as a long-time competitor make Bob uniquely suited for the role of At-Large Track Cycling Committee position. His integrity and fair approach to a robust track cycling community are unparalleled, and I can think of no better person to represent track cycling growth and success.
Brian Abers
Former US National Team Sprint Coach
Owner, Brihop Coaching, LLC
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Giddeon Massie
August 26, 2019
To whom it may concern:
I am pleased to endorse Mr. Bob Francis for the At-Large seat on the Track Committee. Bob has been a tremendous advocate and active participant in the effort to advance and grow the sport of Track Cycling from a grass-roots level. Bob is ever-present at numerous cycling events –big and small- not only as a participant, but as an easily approachable, friendly face, that is genuinely interested in learning how he can help support and advance the sport through the eyes of it’s riders.
I’m confident, if given the chance, Bob will do an exemplary job. Please consider supporting him, and in so doing, the growth of American Track Cycling.
Sincerely,
Giddeon Massie
2x Olympian
Track Cycling
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Zoe Ta-Perez
September 1, 2019
To whom it may concern,
I truly believe that Bob will be a great addition to the USAC Track Committee. As a developing junior rider, I’m always looking for ways to grow and learn. Bob was apart of the creation of the “Juniors Rule” series at our local track. This program has impacted many of our USA junior riders because it provided a fun and positive racing environment. Although the transition to European racing can be tough, Bob’s support of the track series has been a vital step for me to race competitively internationally in the junior ranks. I have great confidence that Bob will be a great fit for the USAC Track Committee.
Sincerely,
Zoe Ta-Perez
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Len Lochmiller
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
To whom it may concern-
USAC has announced that an “At-Large” position is open for Track Committee within the organization. As a board member of the San Diego Velodrome and the one in charge of junior development, I would strongly recommend Bob Francis for this position. He has been of considerable help to many track athletes and has substantial experience in what it takes to promote and grow the sport. It has been a pleasure working with him in the past and we look forward to assisting him in the USAC position he is running for.
Len Lochmiller
SDVA Junior Program
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Karl Baumgart
August 26, 2019
Re: Bob Francis, At-Large position on USA Cycling’s Track Committee
To whom it may concern,
I have been friends, teammates, and now a fellow board member on the Foundation For American Track Cycling alongside Bob Francis for the better part of the past decade. In the time I’ve known Bob, he has played an integral part in the development and advancement of many US track riders racing from the junior level to the Olympic level and everything in between. That includes personally helping mentor me in reaching as high a level in track cycling as possible.
He has helped build a track cycling community in the state of Arizona where we have no velodrome. Bob has done this through his passion and endless energy supporting all the riders who have shown interest and participation in the track discipline; as well as encouraging others in the Phoenix metro cycling community to try racing and travel to LA (the nearest velodrome, 6 hours away).
He and I, through the Foundation, have spent endless hours in meetings attempting to bring a velodrome to AZ. Even though we have not been successful so far, I know Bob’s passion will not let the issue die as we continuing to pursue the growth of track cycling locally.
Bob has the knowledge and passion to be a real contributor in the At-Large position on USA Cycling’s Track Committee. Given his long list of contributions to the sport already, this role will allow Bob to do even more for our sport. That is why I implore everyone voting to select Bob Francis for this position.
Karl C Baumgart
Board member, Foundation for American Track Cycling
5x USA Masters National Champion
6x Masters Worlds Silver Medalist
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Kevin Phillips
August 26, 2019
I first met Bob when we collaborated on the Junior Rules track series. Sense then I have witnessed Bob’s endless support for junior and up and coming track cyclists, through his nonprofit Foundation for American Track Cycling as well as his hands-on mentoring of individual riders. His foundation has provided financial assistance for athletes to develop and take the next step in their athletic pursuits, this has provided multiple athletes the ability to continue in our sport. Individually Bob has been there as a training partner and mentor for many riders, something no money can replace. Bobs support for track cycling is commendable and sets an example we should all strive for!
Kevin Phillips
iCademy - u23 Development Team
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Sean Wilson
August 21, 2019
Endorsement of Bob Francis for the Track Sport Committee:
Join me in supporting Bob Francis for the At-Large position on the Track Committee. As the driving force behind the Juniors Rule! development racing series and the SoCal Junior Madison series, Bob brings a unique perspective on facilitating junior development programs and through the Foundation he started is expanding track cycling opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Most recently, Bob teamed with us to support our collaborative Sure-Start Track Program that brings together some of the finest coaches in the region to invigorate grass roots Junior development at both the San Diego Velodrome and Velo Sports Center.
Sean Wilson, PhD
President, GS Andiamo Junior Cycling
Level 1 USA Cycling Coach with Distinction
Coach Representative, USA Cycling Road Sport Committee
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Eric & Sara Hankins
August 25, 2019
Re: Bob Francis for the USAC Track Committee
Bob Francis would be a huge asset to USAC as part of the Track Committee. He has spent countless hours making Juniors Rule! a great racing series to promote junior track cycling. He also runs the Foundation for American Track Cycling and supports all levels of riders in track cycling and all age groups. Bob’s enthusiasm, positive attitude, extensive experience and background in bike racing makes him a valuable resource for the sport. We strongly advocate for him being elected to the USAC Track Committee.
Sincerely,
Eric & Sara Hankins
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Fred Stanage
August 28, 2019
I am writing in support of Bob Francis for the At-Large position with USA Cycling's Track Committee.
I have known and raced with Bob for over 25 years now. Over the years, his commitment to Track Cycling has been unmatched. Starting as a racer, then transitioning being a promoter, sponsor and team director. His passion to see the sport of Track Cycling grow brought him to creating the Foundation for American Track Cycling. He continues to race so that he can stay in touch with this sport at the grass roots level. Always looking for ways to bring more juniors in. His tireless and selfless work has had a positive impact for new riders but, also for me when I found my way back to racing. The most important part is that he has been and always will be a true friend to me and many others around him. Please take time to vote and let's get Bob elected.
Kindest regards,
Frederick Stanage
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Peter Taylor
August 29, 2019
To Whom it May Concern:
I would like to whole heartedly support Bob Francis in his application to be on the track committee.
Bob has continually supported track cycling and especially junior track cycling in the USA, and through his foundation he has helped lots of junior and adult racers get to Europe to compete against the best riders in the world.
His dedication to our sport makes Bob Francis an obvious choice to be a part of the committee. I am confident that Bob will be an excellent ambassador for our sport and help it to grow.
Pete Taylor
Co- Executive Director
Star Track Cycling
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Don Melhado
August 23, 2019
RE: Endorsement of Bob Francis for USA Cycling Track Sport Committee
I’ve known Bob for a number of years. I’ve watched him change the face of track racing in Arizona and the southwest from almost nonexistence to a force containing national champions, world champions and future Olympic stars. The Foundation Bob started is responsible for the growth of our sport to where we stand today. I am proud and deeply honored to call him friend and mentor.
Don Melhado
Arizona Bicycle Racing Association
Track Upgrade Administrator
USA Cycling Official
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Andrea Rossi
August 27, 2019
It is my distinct pleasure to endorse Bob Francis’ candidacy for the USA Cycling’s At-Large seat on the Track Committee. Bob’s passion for the sport and commitment to the growth of track cycling has been evident since I first met him four years ago. During this time my two children have competed in the only junior-specific USA Cycling sanctioned race series in Southern California, Juniors Rule! As director and sponsor of this series Bob has given the unique opportunity to many juniors to gain category upgrade points and invaluable track racing experience in a fun, safe, and competitive setting. It is not a coincidence that many juniors who have competed in this series have also obtained several National Championship victories and podium finishes, including two Junior Track World Championships.
It is my strong belief that USA Cycling will greatly benefit from Bob’s vision, leadership and commitment to junior development in track cycling.
Sincerely,
Andrea Rossi
USA Cycling member
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Andrew and Monica Nevitt
August 28, 2019
For the many years we have know Bob, we have had many discussions about track racing and the future of the sport. Bob is a talented racer and lover of all track racing. We connect with Bob several times a year at Master’s events, World Cup and 6 Day events. At each meeting, Bob displays his passion for track cycling and his ongoing promotion of the sport through his extraordinary efforts among the Junior Track Cycling community. He has been instrumental in fundraising that offers opportunities for up and coming racers to obtain cycling gear, have proper coaching, participate in fun, safe training programs and to attend marque competition events. Bob is an asset to the track cycling community and we highly recommend him for the Track At-Large Committee position.
Sincerely,
Andrew (33 years on the track) and Monica Nevitt (6 years on the track)
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Todd Key
August 29th, 2019
To all concerned,
I am writing to express my support of Bob Francis for the At-Large position within USA Cycling’s Track Committee.
I first met Bob at the Velodrome in Carson, and I instantly knew this person was a force for good in the Track cycling community. Bob immediately took an interest in me and my Paralympic aspirations. I have met and worked with so many different people over the last six years, but Bob has been the one constant over all that time. He continually reaches out to me with offers of help, and always can be counted on to follow through with every single one of his commitments.
I’ve met very few people in the cycling world who do what they say, and say what they do, but Bob Francis is absolutely one of those people.
Todd Key
US Para-cycling Athlete
Team USA Paralympics (2013-2019)
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Lindsay Goldman
August 30, 2019
I would like to endorse Bob Francis for the USA Cycling Track Committee. Bob and I have worked together in cycling for several years and I’ve always been impressed with his enthusiasm and dedication for track cycling. He is a huge advocate for and mentor of junior racers - one of our 2018 Hagens Berman Supermint Ambassadors, junior Kayla Hankins, has worked extensively with Bob in Arizona and benefited greatly from his support. Bob has also made considerable effort to bring a velodrome to Arizona. His non-profit Foundation for American Track Cycling has supported a number of elite track riders that would otherwise not have had such great opportunities to race. Bob will make an excellent representative for all track cyclists and I’m confident his dedication to the sport will be an asset to USA Cycling.
Lindsay Goldman
General Manager
Hagens Berman | Supermint Pro Cycling Team
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