The Holland-based squad will target 36 mile event as they make first start as team. 

New Holland Brewing has backed a team for the foreseeable future, investing in some of the top talent in West Michigan. The new outfit was formed from the former Fusion squad, and expects to make a name for itself across all of the cycling disciplines in 2013.

Headlined by a strong women’s team led by Kim Thomas and others, the team will make its first official start this Saturday at one of the state’s biggest races, the Barry-Roubaix. It’s a perfect stage to bag some early results, and there are a numbers of riders in the squad capable of high placings in their age categories. With Kim Thomas and Katie Hamel sitting out BRX, it will fall to the men to chase results in Hastings. Tyson Smith and Alex Yingling will have to ride smart to bag a podium, with Don Goetchus also in the hunt.

Tessa Perez will fly the flag in the 36 mile event, while what we’ll call the Brains of the Operation, Melissa Werkman and Heather Allegrina, take on the 24 mile race alongside Danielle Smith.

NHBC will also host April’s Queen’s Day Criterium, just a day after the Cannonsburg Spring Classic. The team will play a big role in the area’s mountain biking scene. The squad will also refocus in the fall for a presence at KissCross, Cross the Bay and other cyclocross events in Michigan and around the Midwest.

Be sure to follow the team’s first season on the site, and check out the Facebook page for more info.

New Holland Brewing Cycling Team Start List for Barry-Roubaix

36 Mile 

Don Goetchus 45-49
Tyson Smith 35-39
Alex Yingling 20-29

Tessa Perez, 29 and Under

24 Mile

Melissa Werkman
Heather Allegrina
Danielle Smith