By: Lauren Peterson, M.S., CSCS, FMS-level 1
I have the privilege of working with the endurance athletes at SPARC of which several compete at the professional level in their respective sports. This spring has brought much success for several of our pro endurance athletes. I’m proud of the hard work and dedication these athletes put in inside and outside of the gym and look forward to their accomplishments during the remainder of their seasons. Many don’t have the opportunity to see the guys working hard in the gym, so I wanted to share a few of this spring’s highlights.
United Healthcare of Georgia 706 Project
The 706 Project (706P) is an Athens based elite cycling team. Several of their local riders have trained at SPARC during the off-season and early race season. I have also had the opportunity to coach 706P rider, Andy Scarano.
706P Team Members
706P Support Staff
Andy had a rough start to the season after two crashes, but he never gave up and worked diligently back to health. His perseverance definitely paid off! On April 12th, Andy took 2nd in the Panama City SRS Road Race. A little less than a month later, he snagged his first win of the season at the Dalton Road Race. On May 22nd in Burlington, Iowa, Andy got his second win at the Burlington Roach Race.
Austin Ulich, is a first year member of the 706P squad. Thus far, Austin has had an excellent start to his cycling career. Austin took an early season win at the Union City Road Race. A week later, he got his second win at the Panama City SRS Road Race. On May 30th, Austin got his 3rd win in the Winston Salem Cat 1/2 Crit.
While a single rider may stand on top of the podium, cycling is a team sport. Austin and Andy would not be successful without the help and support of their teammates. Andy and Austin were interviewed for a recent article in Pez Cycling News http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/interviews/srs-provides-real-racing-for-regions-top-talent/-.VUzj04r3asN.
Athens famed Twilight Criterium kicked off Speed Week for the riders. 706P riders worked together to help teammate, Frank Travieso capture 3rd at Twilight and 3rd place overall for Speed Week. To learn more about the team and to follow their success, check them out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/706Project.
Russell Bobbitt
Russell Bobbitt is a professional off-road racer for FMF Factory KTM Team, and 4 time AMA National Enduro Champion. Russell isn’t afraid of a little hard work, enjoys what he does, and I’ve had a lot of fun working with him over the past few months. This spring Russell took 2nd at the Full Gas Enduro in West Virginia. In addition of dirt bikes, he is also great on a mountain bike and took 2nd at the Coast Enduro Series Cold Water event. To follow Russell’s and his success, check him out on Twitter and Instagram @russellbobbitt.
Andrew Davis
Andrew Davis is a n IMSA Continental Tires Series driver, driving the AJR WeatherTech Racing Porsche, and the Stevenson Motorsports Camaro. In March, Andrew and his Stevenson Motorsports team won the Sebring 12 Hour race. Just a few weeks later, they snagged a second victory in the Monterey Grand Prix. Andrew is featured in a recent article in Sportscar 365 http://sportscar365.com/imsa/ctscc/continental-tire-imsa-driver-spotlight-andrew-davis/. To follow Andrew as he gears up for his next race, check him out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Davis-Racing/155347291196591 or on Twitter @andrewdavis59.
Looking forward to more great things from these athletes!