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This show needs little introduction because of the sheer magnitude of what Carlos Rogers and his team at the Philly Classic are achieving - to be clear, that is bringing the greatest single day race in America back from the grave.

This discussion hits home because I’m from Philly and spent 30 years of my life there, so the return of this road race to the calendar is a huge source of pride, especially because it is THE contemporary model for other American race promoters.

Tune in for the story behind the modern day Philadelphia Cycling Classic, including how Carlos and his team signed on Amerigas, the flagship sponsor, and how he convinced no fewer than 8 world tour teams to sign on year one. This one is close to my heart, enjoy.

Hill Climbers is more than just a podcast, it's a growing business network for cyclists. You can tap into our event by following our Linkedin and Instagram, and subscribing to our newsletter.

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It's so gratifying to see a plan come together! Last year I began chatting with Bay Area VC Nate Williams about doing a SXSW event together around “Innovation,” the perfect panel buzzword.

We asked the Hill Climbers network to produce a product company and an athlete that could speak with expertise on the subject along with Nate. If we’re being honest, we had Lucas Bourgoyne, local celebrity and 2025 Crit National Champ, on a short list of 1 and thanks to the intro from Elliott at People’s Endurance, he quickly agreed to join us in between race weekends. Chris Anderson from investment bank pH Partners recommended Devon Price, cofounder of Kenetik, a ketone brand that sponsors Lifetime Grand Prix.

There was a last minute curveball from Nate Williams, who could not join us, but he had already invited Karl Pelletier, Chief of Staff at USAC Cycling who sits on their Tech & Innovation council, and Karl graciously stepped in for Nate. Big shout out to Nate for adding USA Cycling in to the mix.

There are so many high notes in this show: Karl sharing how USAC chose Kristen Faulkner as the most likely candidate to medal in track pursuit using their data sets, Devon surprising the audience with Kenetik’s life saving qualities, and Lucas…being Lucas by showing the room that a 24 year old with talent, passion, work ethic, strategy, and the right team can prove the haters wrong on the crit circuit and in business. Enjoy!

Hill Climbers is more than just a podcast, it's a growing business network for cyclists. You can tap into our event by following our Linkedin and Instagram, and subscribing to our newsletter.

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In January I texted Charlie Tames, an Austin businessman with ties to Rapha, asking if he could put me in touch with someone at corporate ahead of my London visit. His response read, “Fran will be in Austin in February.” He’s referring to Fran Millar, Rapha CEO. A few days later Charlie texted, “If I can get you an interview with Fran Millar, would you be interested?”

Does a fat baby sweat?

Charlie wouldn’t have vouched for us if he didn’t think we were ready. This was a defining moment. In a short time, the Hill Climbers team had created an events brand and operation suitable for Fran, founding member of Team Sky, INEOS 1:59 Challenge Captain, and now CEO of Rapha, one of the most impactful lifestyle brands of our time.

We hosted a live audience podcast at the Trek store in Austin with 50+ attendees that spilled into dinner/drinks after the show.

What struck me about Fran was her vulnerability coupled with a magnificent executive presence. She shared personal details that shaped her career path as easily as she rattled off her five keys to full employee engagement. Fran proudly shared with the group that this brand of servant leadership and communication is authentically female, in contrast with the more classic "hero" version.

This is not to mention the wide range of topics and stories we covered from the state of Rapha, the Kate Courtney She Sends partnership and of course the TeamUSA deal leading into LA28.

So if this piques your interest, and you want to witness a true devotee to excellence share her thoughs on servant leadership, our interview with Fran is just the thing for you. Tune in!

Hill Climbers is more than just a podcast, it's a growing business network for cyclists. You can tap into our event by following our Linkedin and Instagram, and subscribing to our newsletter.

www.hill-climbers.com
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Theme Music: Summer Vibes by Rizik