Hagerty Cycling Team Sets the Pace for Local Endurance Athletes

Jan. 15, 2016

Elite level bicycle road racing is a team sport – one that requires cyclists to train together and use carefully-planned strategies so that their strongest teammate has a better chance to win. To compete nationally, it also takes some funding.

The reality of a northern Michigan–based competitive road racing team became possible in 2007 when two things happened.

First, former professional racer Derek Prechtl, three-time winner of the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic in the Upper Peninsula, and Jeff Cook, owner of Garfield Auto, convinced representatives from local bike shops to serve on an exploratory board. They quickly agreed, which helped unite much of the technical expertise and several of the region’s strongest cyclists under one banner.

The only other problem left was finding a title sponsor, someone committed to the sport and able to provide funding. Prechtl immediately thought of bike enthusiast McKeel Hagerty, CEO and president of Hagerty Insurance, the Traverse City–based insurer of classic cars. Hagerty didn’t hesitate. He saw an opportunity to support healthy lifestyles, not only for his employees, but for the community at large – and the Hagerty Cycling Team was born.

"For Hagerty to support such a cycling program is a natural fit," said Hagerty. "I’m a passionate road and off-road cyclist and can say from experience that we live in one of the great cycling areas in the United States. Getting out on a bike is one of the best ways to enjoy our beautiful area, to stay fit and to spend time with friends and family."

Fitness-minded company employees like Susan Vigland, now an enthusiastic member of the Hagerty Women’s Team, agreed.

"It’s a great way for us to share our company’s commitment to wellness and support active living in our community at the same time," Vigland said.

The nonprofit Hagerty Cycling Team has grown to 100 members ranging in ages from 10 to 72. They compete around Michigan and nationally in road racing, mountain biking and "fat biking" (winter racing on oversized tires). There’s an active women’s team, an open men’s category, a master’s (over age 35) level and a junior’s (under age 18) program.

Developing young talent, in particular, remains the Hagerty Cycling Team’s top priority.

It’s part of what club president Craig Webb called the group’s "big, hairy, audacious goal" of discovering and mentoring a promising northern Michigan road cyclist who someday is strong enough to compete in the Tour de France.

That might take a while, but there is already one sign it could happen: Professional biker Larry Warbasse, a Traverse City native who now lives and trains in Europe, could make it to Tour de France this year. Although he left town for college just before the Hagerty team came into existence, Warbasse credits the local biking culture with many of his later accomplishments. He has already competed in the prestigious Vuelta a España. Those following his career know it won’t be easy to be accepted as a competitor in the Tour de France; 500 professional riders compete for just approximately 180 slots.

The basic model for the Hagerty Cycling Team has remained the same over the years. Biking remains the common thread that holds the group together, but one thing has changed: Many current team members are also intensely competitive in a variety of sports.

"We’re a cycling team," Webb said. "We expect folks to compete in at least five races per year, but in other ways, it’s evolved. We define ourselves as a team of endurance athletes. We have folks who are also triathletes, paddlers, runners and Nordic skiers. And I think it’s great that they come from all walks of life."

While Hagerty employees are well represented, Webb said the team also includes "teachers, doctors, a private investigator, accountants, business owners, chefs, entrepreneurs, paramedics – enough that we could start our own community."

Webb said the board of directors has a clear vision of what makes a good member and it’s not just about recruiting the strongest competitors.

"We look first and foremost for quality of character and people who are dedicated to biking and who embrace a healthy lifestyle," Webb said. "This is not just for elite athletes. Performance is something that people can train up to.

We have 10 legitimate champions who can show you the way, and they can help with diet, too. We want people who will challenge themselves, whether it’s to win a national championship or just to compete well."

A native of Las Vegas, Webb admited he misses the West.

"I love the blue skies, the mountains," he said, "but my greatest fear in moving to Colorado or Utah is that I couldn’t replace the outdoor culture here in the Grand Traverse area," he said. "For a lot of people, the decision to move here or stay here isn’t just about a job. It’s because they really want to be here, to lead active, healthy lives."