"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - team requirements?

Hi

I'm just wondering what riders teams require of them and what they get in return?

I know you might not be able to divulge specifics but I'm curious as I have an upcoming meeting to discuss the "business" side of the team I currently ride for.

The meeting comes as a bit of a surprise given the past history

which was basically you're a friend of mine I own a shop I'll give you and a few other people a jersey and bibs and a discount and have fun.... if you do well great if not no worries

We have a 7 page team handbook which outlines everything.
The basics are that we have 2 classes of riders;
class 1 gets less DIRECT funding, but the same discounts on everything from the shop. This class requires slightly less volunteer work.
class 2 gets more direct funding, same discounts. This class requires slightly more volunteer work.

We are all required to do roughly 20 hrs of volunteer work throughout the year. Typically, this volunteer work is dedicated to (among other things) the "training rides" we put on, which in turn funds the team. Our race team is sponsored/supported/belongsto a relatively large cycling club, and we have further obligations to volunteer with the club when they host events.

The real nitty gritty is that we have to earn 32 volunteer points over the course of the year and each specific volunteer job you undertake has an corresponding amount of points, which correlated with how much work is required. All this is outlined in our handbook.

It varies. My current team gives us shop discounts, discounted team kits, and reimburses race entry fees. As for what is required, there really are no requirements. You're pretty much expected to wear the team kit when you train, and don't act like a jerk when you're wearing it, and to help out when the team sponsors a race, but that's about it.

Other teams will require a minimum number of races, doing particular races, participating in shop rides, clinics, promotions etc.

In general it seems the more money you get, the more, and more formal, the exectationsare.

is class determined by racer level?? or ?

I think a lot of teams start that way -- just a shop sponsor and a few riders. And then they grow from there, or don't.

My first team was a shop team. Anyone could join, just buy a kit, pay a nominal signup fee, buy the clothes at cost, and race. Entry fees were reimbursed and you got a discount at the shop.

My second team was a small group of us from the first team (we were frustrated that hardly anyone raced -- they just rode around town in the clothes). We managed to get a decent sponsorship such that our clothes and fees were covered. Just race as much as possible. Unfortunately, we sort of fell apart after a few guys moved and we had some flakiness from our main sponsor.

My current team is huge. Have to pay for my own clothes and races. If I race enough and work the team race, I can get entry fees reimbursed at the end of the season.

is class determined by racer level?? or ?

Sorry, it's independent of category - you have the choice, but you must be prepared to meet the requirements. Class 2 also requires more races than class 1.

I got suckered into starting a team. We had a guy who rode, owned a business, and wanted to sponsor some of us that race. Sounds simple enough right?

He wanted to be able to write a check to an entity for accounting purposes. In order to open a bank account you have to get a federal tax ID. That's easy too.

But then to file correctly you have to register the entity with the state as a corporation. Um, sure, can't be too bad right? The cost to file in my sate is around $300.00.

Then you have to fill out the paperwork to have the corporation setup as a non profit. Corporations require articles defining the structure and rules. They also require officers.

Non profit social clubs also have membership restrictions, so I legally have to collect dues and maintain a membership roster to maintain the status.

Uh, sheesh, this is becoming a major PITA.

And you have to register with USAC to boot in order to get the name on the licenses.

All so the guy could write a check to the team.

what's required of me:

volunteer at 3 club events
15 races w elite squad
agree to anti-doping policy
race in current team kit and using team supplied equipment, keep in neat, clean, well maintained, professional appearance
represent team in professional manner
report results within certain time pd
cant race with other team or composite team without prior approval
interface with team captain/board of directors/club officers
mentor developmental squad member or jr. team member
other duties as requested
---
program benefits are confidential

my current situation is

- part of my license was covered by my team.. the other part by me 80/20 by them
- I received a kit
- I get a discount at the shop

nothing else was asked of me other than to wear the kit at races which I did for all races where I could

I attended all the club rides I cloud... probably 90% of them

helped out on trial days for the mtb side

did registration for a race they sponsored as well

Overall I'm happy but if there are going to be a tonne of requirements I can pick from several teams like the first one that caloso raced for and get similar privileges

I'm not meaning for this to come off as ungrateful in away I'm actually very grateful for the support I've received thus far

Our "Level 2" plan. I assume the few top racers get a better deal.

Qualifications:

Cat 3 (or Cat 4 Junior)
Must have raced a minimum of 10 races in 2010.
Must be affiliated with our club / USCF and race in a current uniform.

Benefits:

Free Jersey
Free Club Membership
15% off parts and accessories
Other perks from sponsors when available.

helped out on trial days for the mtb side



Those mtb guys are always getting busted for this, that and the other. Are you a lawyer or something? :)

My team has no formal requirements other than $30 dues.

Informally we are expected to wear our kit when training and racing and act like adults and help out at our team sponsered race series. We also sponsor a charity that most of us put some work into each year and donate some money.

What we get is discounts from the team shop and a handful of other sponsers.

I was a complete noob less than a year ago. This book helped me a lot (http://www.amazon.com/Roadie-Misunderstood-World-Bike-Racer/dp/1934030171). There is only a small part devoted to teams and structures but it was quite informative and easy to read.

I managed a team for 2 seasons a couple of years ago. We didn't require anything other than people buy and wear the kit. it was associated with the shop and "discounts" were "negotiated" individually with the owner. This was always an issue from my standpoint. lots of other issues and my growing wheel business resulted in me being kicked off the team a year ago.

I started my own team for my wheel company within a few days. Went from about 15 riders this time last year to near 50 riders today - including past Masters National Champions and podium finishers as well as multiple time state champs, etc. I have 2 Elite level teams as well as my development team. In addition I sponsor a "PSIMET West" team in Colorado to be registered with ACA this season, 2 other large local teams as a supporting sponsor, and I just found out that we will be fielding a tri squad this year as well.....just as soon as I can get over the twitch I suffer from every time i think of a sleeveless PSIMET jersey.

Requirements:
Enzo's-PSIMET - Elite Masters Team - Hand picked by the Past National Master champion - mr Enzo himself. They have internal agreements which I am not at liberty to discuss. May have to pay for kit items not covered as part of the standard that we set

PSIMET Elite - Cat 3 or higher elite or masters. They must compete and deliver results. What that means is up to my discretion and opinion. Will cover kit items not covered by the standard.

PSIMET Racing (Development) - cat 4/5 - $35 annual dues - refunded after they race once during the season. buy and wear kit. Kick ass and take names. You can say "names"

PSIMET - Tri - Pay dues (TBD), buy kit, and don't embarrass me.

Benefits:
Enzo's-PSIMET - Elite Masters Team - 1 carbon tubular wheelset to race on. Parts at cost. Free mechanical work. Free extensive base kit.

PSIMET Elite - Cat 3 or higher elite or masters. - Aluminum Wheelset to train on. Set of carbon tubular race wheels, 1 basic kit for free, Race fee reimbursement (minimal but some) at the end of the season.Parts at cost. Free mechanical work

PSIMET Racing (Development) - Parts at cost +10, wheels for next to nothing, use of team power meters and race wheels depending on availability, use of team pit wheels, etc....and they get to ride next to me in crits and make me feel important.

PSIMET - Tri - wheel, part and service deals.


Business side? i am done f'n around. I will take on sponsors but they will be bringing what I consider to be a large amount of $$. I only want a few and the kits won't look like Nascar uniforms. So far it looks like 1 car dealership, 1 bicycle OEM, 1 brewery (maybe) and 1 company that one of our team members owns.

What does it cost to run a tea? whatever you want it to. You have to register the team with USAC - $150/annum. that is to register as a club. If you want a team you have to sponsor a race - be listed on the permit as the permitting club.

Our structure with USAC is that we have a club that everyone belongs to and then we have 2 teams ( the elite ones) listed under the club. The club is PSIMET Racing.

Here's to 2011 and kicking ass.

.....I guess I decided to go big or go home.

I belong to a local team that started up just over two years ago. I belong to that team because I had been riding with the guys that started that team and I liked riding with them. We are not a big team nor an elite team, but we are a good team. We developed our first Cat 1 last year and we wish him all the best with his new team. We are too small to be of much use to him now.

As for expectations we expect our team riders to wear our kit whilst training, compete in the appropriate races, help out at our "sponsored" race, do the appropriate local activities (like escorting people locally doing cross country or around the world rides for suitable causes, etc.), and most importantly showing up at random times to the local cycling club's "A" ride and busting their balls.

and most importantly showing up at random times to the local cycling club's "A" ride and busting their balls.

Let me know when you guys start doing that, I could use some competition. ;)

And go fix your brake, it's rubbing again. :D

Let me know when you guys start doing that, I could use some competition. ;)

Maybe we are trying to recruit you.;)

I guess I decided to go big or go home.

Psyched to see what you guys will do this year!

My team asks that I kick the competition in the nuts on a regular basis and try not to be too big a pain in the ass. I signed on this year to guest ride with another team when I'm out west. They asked that I kick the competition in the nuts on a regular basis and try not to be too big a pain in the ass.

Both teams have some discounts here and there.

Show up, ride, have fun. Pretty good for an elite team. We're like the mob, once your in you never get out.

My team asks that I kick the competition in the nuts on a regular basis and try not to be too big a pain in the ass. I signed on this year to guest ride with another team when I'm out west. They asked that I kick the competition in the nuts on a regular basis and try not to be too big a pain in the ass.

Both teams have some discounts here and there.

Best post of the day my friend... :)
Funny my team said the same thing...

Best post of the day my friend... :)
Funny my team said the same thing...

I was just thinking we hadn't heard from you in a bit...

I was just thinking we hadn't heard from you in a bit...

Sitting in a hotel in Boca dreaming of riding. Cracked a frame doing short intervals a while ago and though I kept riding it I am finally having a new one built this week while I am away only to have a new team bike built up in a few weeks (if mama lets me) plus I'm in the market for for +80mm carbon tubulars ;)

Been a crazy couple of weeks so I have been low key trying to figure a few things out for this year. All is figured out now, serious diet has started and training kicks in full gear when I get home. Sunny King and Athens Twilight are coming up in 3 months so I better get my butt to work so I don't get pulled.

Nice to know I was missed :)

We buy our kits, pay a annual team fee, get 25% in the shop plus annual team sponsor orders with steep discounts. We are expected to wear our kits while training, of course at races, set a good example while in public for the shop, we are required to work at sponsored events, there are no minimum number of events to compete in annually. We are expected to go out, have fun and remember it is only a hobby.

What I give:
-Team Dues which amount more or less two decent beers
-Buy kit at good prices
-Show up at races and look pretty

What I get:
-Stuff gets acquired more quickly, and cheaper
-Stuff gets fixed faster and by other people
-Stuff gets transported in the team vehicles
-Stuff to eat & drink
-Stuff back in return for racing

for our rank and file:
- buy our own kits
- shop discount
- requirement to race / volunteer a certain amount
- occasional travel / entry fee reimbursements for targeted races

the club also has a 1/2 squad, but I dunno their deal.

I am one of the title sponsors for our team 2011:

Sponsored items:

1. Full carbon frame/fork
2. Alloy training wheels
3. Alloy climbing wheels (for climbers)
4. Carbon tubular wheels
5. KORE handlebar, stem, seatpost, saddle, cables
6. TAYA DHT chains
7. 3 sets of team kit to be worn EVERY ride plus 1 set of: booties, jacket, LS jersey, vest and arm warmers
8. All race fees, hotel fees, transportation fees, food covered 100%
9. BCAA 8000 for the season
10. 2 training camps of 4 days each
11. Support car with driver/mechanic and assistant
12. Team uniform for off the bike
13. PT at distributor cost built into the wheel of your choice
14. Various other bits and pieces

Rider requirements

1. RIDE YOUR BIKE
2. Where team kit and ONLY team kit every time you throw a leg over
3. Become knowledgable about all sponsored items
4. Write race reports for the team site
5. Have a current blog
6. Write the occasional product review/ do product testing
7. Be available for photos for advertising/promotion
8. Be available for other promotional activities/events if requested by sponsors
9. Conduct yourself in a professional manor.
10. RIDE YOUR BIKE

Manager duties

1. Reg and hotel/ travel arrangements
2. Co-ordinate team training including training camps
3. manage equipment/ deal with problems
4. Co ordinate product feedback to equipment sponsors
5. Produce press releases and race reports for sponsors and media
6. produce / coordinate HD promotional video for sponsors
7. maintain website
8. maintain team car and equipment like spare wheels, tools, feeding equipment, pumps, spare parts etc

That covers the basics. I know I am leaving a lot out here.

I am one of the title sponsors for our team 2011:

Sponsored items:

1. Full carbon frame/fork
2. Alloy training wheels
3. Alloy climbing wheels (for climbers)
4. Carbon tubular wheels
5. KORE handlebar, stem, seatpost, saddle, cables
6. TAYA DHT chains
7. 3 sets of team kit to be worn EVERY ride plus 1 set of: booties, jacket, LS jersey, vest and arm warmers
8. All race fees, hotel fees, transportation fees, food covered 100%
9. BCAA 8000 for the season
10. 2 training camps of 4 days each
11. Support car with driver/mechanic and assistant
12. Team uniform for off the bike
13. PT at distributor cost built into the wheel of your choice
14. Various other bits and pieces

Rider requirements

1. RIDE YOUR BIKE
2. Where team kit and ONLY team kit every time you throw a leg over
3. Become knowledgable about all sponsored items
4. Write race reports for the team site
5. Have a current blog
6. Write the occasional product review/ do product testing
7. Be available for photos for advertising/promotion
8. Be available for other promotional activities/events if requested by sponsors
9. Conduct yourself in a professional manor.
10. RIDE YOUR BIKE

Manager duties

1. Reg and hotel/ travel arrangements
2. Co-ordinate team training including training camps
3. manage equipment/ deal with problems
4. Co ordinate product feedback to equipment sponsors
5. Produce press releases and race reports for sponsors and media
6. produce / coordinate HD promotional video for sponsors
7. maintain website
8. maintain team car and equipment like spare wheels, tools, feeding equipment, pumps, spare parts etc

That covers the basics. I know I am leaving a lot out here.

Bob you ever come stateside hit me up I'll race for ya ;)

Plain ole' members get a few discounts here and there, mostly small products that we can buy online through "discount code" deals. Everyone pays $30 dues.

Members that volunteer at two of our events are also eligible for our bike and bike shop sponsorships.

Members that volunteer twice AND race at least six times get those discounts, plus they're eligible for partial race fee reimbursement at the end of the year as long as they race in the current team kit and report their results within one month.

We also have a small elite team of only Cat 1/2s. They agree to a full calendar of racing (approximately 30 races) and are held to slightly higher standards for club service such as volunteering and teaching new racer clinics, attending sponsor events, etc. They get full race fees, a kit, and some extra product discounts.

Our elected executive committee members don't get any "extra" benefits, but they get free membership.

Here's to 2011 and kicking ass.

.....I guess I decided to go big or go home.


chuck norris style. i like that. a lot. later.

How many guys ride for a team not associated with a shop?

My team has a shop sponsor, but it's not the main one and I wouldn't say we're associated with them.

Requirements are to race a lot, work for the team in certain races, show up to team rides and practices, get results, upgrade. We get free kits, discounts on stuff, occasional race and travel fees covered.

My team has a shop sponsor, but it's not the main one and I wouldn't say we're associated with them.

Requirements are to race a lot, work for the team in certain races, show up to team rides and practices, get results, upgrade. We get free kits, discounts on stuff, occasional race and travel fees covered.

Does Metro Bikes still sponsor you guys?

How many guys ride for a team not associated with a shop?

I did in the old days when I took it seriously. We were sponsored by a bike company & component companies. It was a good deal, and I've always done my own work and sourced my own parts, so I don't go to shops much.

Now I'm on a local "shop team". I turned down the current sponsorship, because I don't race that much and would rather not feel obligated to attend key races. I paid club dues & bought my clothing. I'll race whatever does not conflict with family commitments.

Does Metro Bikes still sponsor you guys?

Nope.

Me.

Nope.

Just as well because they never have anything I'm looking for and I always get a puzzled look from the staff when asking for pretty common products.

How many guys ride for a team not associated with a shop?

Been on 3 teams now... none were ever shop clubs.

Just as well because they never have anything I'm looking for and I always get a puzzled look from the staff when asking for pretty common products.

Yeah that shop sucks. Their logo is still on my winter jacket though cause I joined the team in the middle of the season and got the old stock...

How many guys ride for a team not associated with a shop?

For many years I raced for Carpe Diem Racing specifically because it had no shop affiliation (as a promoter and as a USCF "rep" I didn't want to show any affiliation/preference). I revived the team recently (2000? 2002?) just so I could advertise the Bethel Spring Series but for most of the season for about 5-7 years I was the only one racing in the colors.

It's also a default team - I'd tell former teammates who moved away who didn't want to race unattached to just select Carpe Diem Racing. Since the club name has been around since 1989 folks inevitably had a kit with "Carpe Diem Racing" on it somewhere.

We had maybe 4-6 members at any given time, usually one in NM/AZ, one in CO, and one out in CA. Yes that leaves me and one or two guys in my area.

Currently I race for a team that's affiliated with a shop. And in 1989, when Carpe Diem Racing got started, it was a shop team. Most of the employees at the shop raced on it.

cdr

My team is strictly cash sponsor based. There are two small biz owners in my neighborhood who both ride. They had mentioned doing jerseys a couple of years ago and putting them on the backs of a couple of fast guys from here who race. I guess I'm the type of person that gets people to quit talking and actually do something.

This past summer we kept discussing the team and I got commitments from riders and the two biz owners. We were able to subsidize the kits up to 60% for the faster guys, but everyone who wanted one got a discount of some sort. The actual money transfer has been the biggest headache in that it required a tax ID and incorporation in the state. The state setup drained a good chunk of the remaining money that will be used to reimburse entry fees at the end of the year. I've got my team app into USAC but haven't heard back yet as to whether it's been accepted or not. I don't want to renew my license until I know for sure.

I guess now I really need to get the default membership documents, waivers, rules, etc. and post them online. I've got a website but the graphics are non existent so I don't publicize it.

As far as requirements go we don't have any at this point. I will have to collect dues and maintain a membership roster for corporate purposes and I suppose we'll have to elect officers every year. I don't see us hosting any races this year, but there are plenty of opportunities for us to volunteer.

Thanks to all who have responded

certainly some things to consider