Alex Candelario returns to cyclo-cross
Road sprinter Alex Candelario is returning to cyclo-cross as his competitive career nears its end. The American rider began his career in cycling’s winter sport but moved up to road cycling ten years ago. Now riding for Kelly Benefit Strategies, Candelario
has reached the point where cyclo-cross can offer him the opportunity to compete in high-level races while participating in the social causes he cares about.
“I haven't raced 'cross in about 10 years. I was a decent rider, top five at the national events and won a couple of collegiate championships. I discovered surfing and got obsessed with that in the off-season instead. I'm kind of at the end of my career
and have always loved 'cross, so I wanted to take the opportunity to race at a high level while I still can. Mostly, I'm stoked to be able to help World Bicycle Relief.”
World Bicycle Relief was founded by Trek Bicycles and the SRAM Corporation in 2005 to provide bicycle programs to impoverished communities and disaster relief initiatives. The non-profit organization has worked with the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS and set
up programs in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Candelario raced under the World Bicycle Relief banner last weekend in the Colorado Cross Classic, where he finished in fifth.
“I had the opportunity to help build this program with World Bicycle Relief and promote them,” said Candelario to
Cyclingnews. “Coming back to race cyclo-cross has been in the back of my mind for a long time. I'm just having some fun and the road is still my priority. I had no idea that I would be able to get top five last weekend and I'm stoked about that. If
this spreads the message about World Bicycle Relief then that is amazing.”
The American cyclist’s road career includes a second place at the national road championships and several stage wins and podium finishes in domestic and international stage races.
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