Last month, when news spread that Michael Marckx was stepping down as CEO of Spy eyewear the big question on Southern California competitive cyclists mind was “what will happen to the Spy Ride Giant cycling team?” Well, now we know.
According to a press release sent out today (September 14, 2015) the Spy Giant Ride team has merged with Monster Media Racing to become. . . well, Monster Media Racing. But there’s more: the Monster Media Racing Team will now be owned by and operated by MMR Sports Group, LLC which is, in turn, owned by Chris DeMarchi, Derric Swinfard, Phil Tinstman, and Michael Marckx.
Here’s what they’re saying:
The unification not only marks the most significant cycling team development in the region—the most competitive cycling arena in the country—it also paves the way for the strengthened team to both own the leader boards in all men’s and women’s road categories. In addition, and more importantly, the new team will serve as a marketing and distribution agency for the team’s sponsors across the country, where MMR has plans to launch with seven chapters in 2015 and grow to fifteen chapters by 2016.
“MMR will create opportunities for all stakeholders to enjoy the services and pursuits of the team as a marketing agency,” said Michael Marckx, former president/CEO of SPY and MMR Team Partner. “Our unique program is for both cyclists in pursuit of their athletic dreams and brands seeking new ways of communicating their brand messages while competing in the increasingly challenging cycling marketplace.”
For the official word from Monster Media Racing, please follow the jump.Monster Media Racing Announces Team Merger
and First Ever National Focused Cycling Team
Chino, CA—September 14, 2015—Monster Media Racing (MMR), in its sixth year of popularity on the racing circuit, will be merging with the SPY elite cycling team (SPY GIANT RIDE), which has been the most dominant squad across the road racing spectrum in California over the past two years. The unification not only marks the most significant cycling team development in the region—the most competitive cycling arena in the country—it also paves the way for the strengthened team to both own the leader boards in all men’s and women’s road categories. In addition, and more importantly, the new team will serve as a marketing and distribution agency for the team’s sponsors across the country, where MMR has plans to launch with seven chapters in 2015 and grow to fifteen chapters by 2016.
MMR will become the first ever national focused cycling team with the primary function of being a marketing agency in pursuit of fostering healthy competitive cycling in the United States for the mutual benefit of athletes, sponsors and communities. Unlike any other team in existence, MMR will act in accord with its mission to create the most viable platform for brands interested in connecting with avid cycling enthusiasts on a national basis. The team’s sponsors, all of whom are enlivened by the unique distribution opportunities offered by the national footprint of the MMR team’s vision, include SPY, Masi Bicycles, Mercury Wheels, Kask Helmets, JL Velo, StageOne Apparel, Shimano, Junk Jam, Monster Media and a host of other supporting sponsors.
“MMR will create opportunities for all stakeholders to enjoy the services and pursuits of the team as a marketing agency,” said Michael Marckx, former president/CEO of SPY and MMR Team Partner. “Our unique program is for both cyclists in pursuit of their athletic dreams and brands seeking new ways of communicating their brand messages while competing in the increasingly challenging cycling marketplace.”
MMR’s program will have a specific focus on its Pro team, with the aim of partnering young, up-and-coming category 1 racers with veteran professional racers who can impart their years of training and racing knowledge for the benefit of developing and delivering these young riders to the highest level of national class racing.
Chris DeMarchi, MMR Team Director since its inception, shares, “We are very excited to create the largest impact in support of our vision by helping people connect and participate in the competitive cycling arena through our thriving network of regional team chapters. This effort will be supported by a collective of national sponsors who share our same vision of growing the sport for the benefit of individuals, communities and like-minded partners.”
MMR Co-Team Director, Phil Tinstman adds, “The MMR team roster will be a who’s who in the ultra-competitive Southern California cycling arena, featuring dozens of National and State Champions, plus racing and community leaders in six other locations across the country.”
The Monster Media Racing Team is owned and operated by MMR Sports Group, LLC, which is located in Southern California and is jointly owned by Chris DeMarchi, Derric Swinfard, Phil Tinstman and Michael Marckx. The team has evolved since its inception in 2011 as a Pro 1, 2 team. Now, with the SPY team merger, the focus is to help grow the sport of cycling by creating an all-encompassing program where Junior riders (U23), male and female, can begin their careers, develop, and matriculate through the Pro ranks. The team will also avail Masters riders the chance to race at the highest level with the best cyclists in the country, all in support of the sponsors who provide them access to the greatest products on the planet.
