Flashpoint MVMNT includes four riders: Kathy Pruitt, Andrew Jackson, Nehemiah Brown, and Amanda Schaper, who is also Team Manager. These riders each have very different backgrounds and ride bikes for different reasons, but all come together with their desire to break down the barriers that prevent people from enjoying riding bikes. “We are committed to proving that riders don’t need a specific look or uniform to feel welcome in cycling,” said Amanda Schaper. “We want every rider to feel like they belong, no matter their skin color, gender, body type, cultural background, household income, or equipment preferences. We are focused on the fun that unites us all and making the changes that we want to see in our sport.”
Flashpoint MVMNT was founded by Giro Sport Design and is supported by Canyon Bicycles, SRAM/Zipp/RockShox, Wahoo Fitness, Thule, and Wilderness Trail Bikes. “The Flashpoint MVMNT crew came together naturally because we all see the same thing,” said Dain Zaffke, Giro Marketing Director. “Cycling is no longer solely defined by what happens at commercial events like the Tour de France, the UCI World Cup and Red Bull Rampage, it’s being shaped by the masses and the grassroots riders. After a year of turmoil, bikes have never been more popular as a means of exploration, exercise, and adventure. But this boom illustrates the divide between cycling media/marketing and the folks actually buying the equipment. Why should newcomers be influenced by the traditional reference points? Flashpoint MVMNT riders are all motivated to challenge the status quo and change the image of cycling.”
Beyond race results and podium placings, Flashpoint MVMNT plans to lead this change by creating content that showcases faces and personalities that a broader group of people can identify with. The riders value fun over suffering and believe that making positive changes is a bigger achievement than winning races. These are elite racers, but they have a grassroots mindset, believing that there is more power in community than the individual. Flashpoint MVMNT does not support elitism, and they are committed to being kind and welcoming to everybody.
Flashpoint MVMNT isn’t a traditional race team. The riders don’t wear uniforms, they set their own schedules, and pursue their own goals. They may aspire to win races throughout the season, but they understand that victory is fleeting and are working toward a larger goal of making a lasting impact and changing the face of cycling.
Flashpoint MVMNT has a busy year planned, with events including the Belgian Waffle Ride, SBT GRVL, Grinduro Wales, Grinduro California, and more. They will be sharing stories along the way, and they are inviting you to join the movement at @flashpointmvmnt and #flashpointmvmnt
