ASHEVILLE, NC (BRAIN) — Former UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team trainer and soigneur, Bill Haelsen, died Monday at his home in Asheville, North Carolina. Haelsen was 45 years old.
Haelsen was a licensed massage therapist and certified physical trainer who worked with the team’s athletes and sponsors for more than two years, said team manager and director Mike Tamayo.
“Bill worked for us for two plus years and he was passionate about making our riders physically and mentally stronger, especially with the core training programs he developed. At the races, Bill was always the last one standing when work had to be done and incredibly passionate about his riders and their performances.
“I remember many times when one of our riders would win a race and Bill would be more excited than the athlete himself. He took just as much pride as the riders in their results. He will be greatly missed on the racing scene, in the cycling community and in the city of Asheville. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family right now.”
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, Oct. 28th at Cederhill Freewill Baptist Church at 227 Johnston Boulevard, Asheville, North Carolina. Donations in Haelsen's memory are being collected by Asheville Youth Cycling.
