Palmetto Velo Racing

Palmetto Velo is an amateur cycling team based in Columbia, South Carolina. Our mission is to promote the sport of cycling as a healthy, recreational, and competitive outlet for men, women, and children by participating in cycling events throughout the Southeast region while representing our partners in a professional manner.

For 2010, Palmetto Velo will be racing under the name Catup.com-Palmetto Velo as we welcome Catup.com as our new Title partner. Catup.com Coaching Services is located in Greensboro, NC and is owned by former professional cyclist coach Ashley Powell. Ashley has over ten years experience coaching athletes of all levels. Check out our Partners page to learn more about Catup.com and see how Ashley can help you achieve your cycling goals.

Click on the link below to check out the 2003 Velo News article "The Opposite of Mediocrity". In this article Palmetto Velo's own Ashley Powell recounts some of the challenges and revelations he faced during a summer of chasing "the dream" and living life as a pro cyclist.

The Opposite of Mediocrity

Marc "Coco" Williams delivered big at Hampton Park in Charleston and brought home the SC State Criterium Championship Gold Medal for Catup.com-Palmetto Velo! Marc was the sole Catup.com-Palmetto Velo team member in a large Pro\1\2 field. When the finale came down to a field sprint, Marc was able to edge out Boyd Johnson of Globabike for the win! Click on the following link to check out the coverage by Carolina Cycling News!

Marc's big win marks one of four wins for Catup.com-Palmetto Velo in the last three weeks! In addition to Marc's win, Gordon Whittaker won the POA and Dylan Mitchell category 4 criteriums both in solo breaks off the front! Gordon's two wins earned him a well deserved upgrade to category 3. Nick Sparler uncorked the fourth win for Palmetto Velo with a first place finish at the Dilworth criterium in the category 3 race! This has been a great early season for Catup.com-Palmetto Velo with many more wins to come!

For the 2010 season, Palmetto Velo is proud to continue it's support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia. The Ronald McDonald House provides a "home away from home" for families whose children are receiving treatment in area hospitals. The house provides a haven where families can rest, enjoy home-cooked meals, meet with other families in similar situations and be near their sick or injured children, regardless of their ability to pay. To donate, volunteer or learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia please click on any of the Ronald McDonald House images to visit their website.

Dylan Paul Mitchell was a Columbia area student and competitive Category 2 cyclist who raced for the Cycle Center and John Deere Development cycling teams. Dylan was tragically killed when he was struck by a car after returning from a training ride in Columbia. In remembrance of Dylan, Palmetto Velo has incorporated a black arm band on the sleeve of the team jerseys with the lettering DPM.

For information about bicycle safety, laws and legislation please click on the Palmetto Cycling Coalition link below.

For the 2010 season, Palmetto Velo is proud to continue it's support of the Palmetto Cycling Colation as a Patron Member. PCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to; provide bicyclists access to South Carolina road and trails, improve safety for all bicyclist, and educate South Carolinians on the value and importance of bicycling for healthy lifestyles and communities.

Palmetto Velo is a pround member of the United States Cycling Association. The USAC is the sanctioning body for cycling events throughout the United States. The USAC works to develop, assist, and promote US athletes both domestically and internationally.