March 7/15 11:34 am - Kevin Field Joins Bridge the Gap as Strategic Advisor

Posted by Editor on 03/7/15
 

Global Relay's Bridge the Gap Fund, a cycling development program supporting many of Canada's most promising young cyclists, is pleased to announce the addition of Kevin Field to the program as a strategic advisor.

Kevin has more than 25 years' experience in cycling, which includes consulting, marketing and sport management roles with teams and organizations such as Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies, Team SpiderTech Powered by C10, Slipstream Sports, Trek-Livestrong Cycling Team and Symmetrics Professional Cycling Team. He is also one of only four Canadians certified by UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) as a Professional Sports Director.

Since 2006, teams under Kevin's direction have won 38 national championship medals. On the international stage, he's led teams to 112 UCI podium finishes in 17 countries in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Notably, in July he directed BTG rider Leah Kirchmann (Optum Pro Cycling) to a historic podium finish at the inaugural La Course women's race that finished on the Champs Elysees in Paris on the final day of the Tour de France.

On the business side, Kevin's experience includes helping negotiate the contracts for five of the eight Canadian men who have ridden for World Tour teams in the past decade. As a strategic advisor to Bridge the Gap, Kevin will play an integral role in mentoring riders and, through his vast network, helping them secure a place on professional teams.

"We're thrilled to add someone with such an incredible skillset and so much experience in virtually all aspects of elite cycling to the BTG team," says Managing Director Andrew Pinfold. "Thanks to his many roles with top North American professional cycling teams, he has 360-degree view of pro team operations. Having him on board will be a huge asset to the fund and we're confident it will most certainly result in our riders advancing in their careers."

In addition to advising the BTG Fund, Kevin is currently a business development consultant with Optum Pro Cycling, principal of 7thgroove, (web consultancy) and a co-founder at The Feed (sports nutrition products).

"This is a natural fit for me and I'm really excited for the opportunity," says Field. "I've known the BTG board members for years. I'm very comfortable working alongside them and we're aligned on our views about the state of Canadian road cycling and what it needs.

"Everyone who has worked with me knows that I have a passion for Canadian Cycling and I strongly believe our athletes can ride with the world's best. At times they need a nudge, or an opportunity, and often, just that little bit more financial help to get there. I was so impressed when the BTG fund was created and was thrilled to see that Global Relay saw such potential in the project. It will be a privilege to work with the fund and the athletes it supports."

BTG continues its mission of developing the sport of cycling in Canada through innovative initiatives such as its Youth Club Seeding program and by supporting young riders at critical times in their development.

For more information about Global Relay's Bridge-the-Gap fund, visit www.grbridgethegap.com