They have been enlivening the streetscape in the western low mountain range above Innsbruck for several weeks. Young cyclists in white jerseys, with LUX in red letters on the chest. And one rider, Colby Simmons, the reigning American junior champion, reveals their origin with his Stars and Stripes jersey: USA. LUX Cycling is the figurehead of young American cycling. Many well-known American riders have enjoyed their training at LUX and are now successfully riding in the highest category of professional cycling, such as Brandon McNulty (UAE), Quinn Simmons (Trek Segafredo) or Kevin Vermaerke (DSM). The manager of the team is Roy Knickman, who won the Dusika Youth Tour as a junior in Austria and later took part in the big races in Europe as a professional in the legendary teams of La Vie Claire and 7 Eleven in the 1980s.
And why now Götzens? “We had been in contact with Roy Knickman for a long time. Last autumn he and his best rider at the time visited us in Innsbruck, looking for a European location and cooperation for his team. The positive and lasting results were achieved quickly. His rider, Logan Mclain, has signed a contract with our team and the western low mountain range should became their home base in Europe ”.
The perfect partner was quickly found in Nicole Ellinger from the AlpArt Hotel in Götzens. Ellinger: “We are basically a very popular address for many athletes, because with our apartments, the rich breakfast buffet and the adjoining restaurant in the Binis, we offer optimal conditions for a good stay. We are particularly pleased about the long visit of the American cyclists. It brings international flair to Götzens and also brings back some of the great atmosphere that prevailed here during the 2018 World Cycling Championships. It also underlines our touristic efforts to position the region for cycling ”.
The team’s impression of the region: “It was a big mistake to come here because now we don’t want to leave here at all, we like it that much. The accommodation, the mountains, the great training opportunities and this ideal location to drive from Götzens to our races all over Europe. Simply amazing, we will be back”.
