The Unveiling of the Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team

             At the end of the 19th century, African-American cyclist Marshall "Major" Taylor seized the sport's attention based on a ‘perfect storm' of circumstances- the public's thirst for speed, the era's unrelenting passion for competition, and Major's desire to push his mental and physical boundaries.

Over 110 years later, Rahsaan Bahati is not only following in Taylor's footsteps, but forging a path of his own towards cycling excellence. For Bahati, his skin color is an avenue and opportunity to affect social change.

The unveiling of the Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team in downtown Los Angeles last Friday night was a culmination of months of hard work by countless people. For Bahati, it was the realization of a dream he's had since attending Crenshaw High School a decade ago. It was there that his two loves- music and riding- set him on a path towards greatness.

"I just had a vision that one day I could show up with a U-Haul truck full of instruments and surprise all the kids...we're almost there...that's one of the first things I want to do with the money donated here tonight,"a visibly moved Bahati said to the packed house at Club Nokia.

     The crowd itself was a unique mix of the cycling industry, local Southern California riders, and friends and family who have followed Rahsaan's storied career.

Aside from meeting the team in its entirety for the first time, the night was meant to be a celebration, and a call to action, for what sets this team apart- GIVING BACK.

The Bahati Foundation, by definition, supports youth in inner city and under-served communities through the sport of cycling, education and music. Simply put, it helps young kids transcend their circumstances for a better life. Their purpose can be distilled even further to three words: Charity, Responsibility, and Action.

"It's an easy message, it's all about giving back. That came from Rahsaan on Day One," commented Steve Owens, the team's General Manager.

On top of the team's powerful social motivation, their racing resumés prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that this team will be a force to be reckoned with every time they toe the line.

"It was Rahsaan who said it, but it's really exciting to have a team just like this, we're so extremely strong. It reminds me of the days of SATURN- which was the most dominant team in the United States for some time," Owens added.

     The roster is full of national and international experience, Olympians, National Champions, and GC winners. For 8x Australian National Champion Nathan O'Neill, who was a fixture on the US racing circuit for years, the team offers another motivating force: a second chance.

Having served a two-year suspension for doping after testing positive for the appetite suppressant phenteramine at the Tour of Elk Grove in August 2007, O'Neill is as excited to race again as a 10-year old with his first two-wheeler.

"The vibe amongst the riders is incredible...we're all on the same page...now that we're doing this for kids, and me being a parent, I realize that there is no job in the world more important than raising another human being, and it doesn't matter if they're my kids or someone else's kids, they are all important."

 O'Neill's teammate, Floyd Landis, was all smiles at Friday night's launch. Though negotiations to join Bahati's team had been ongoing, even as little as one week ago, it looked like the former winner of the Tour of Georgia, Tour of California, and Paris-Nice, might not have a squad to ride for during the upcoming season. Officially announced as joining the team this past Wednesday, the joy on his face was evident as he talked about racing and the message of the Foundation. Floyd spent 2009 re-acquainting himself with the peloton, and those that know him well have said he is eager for the 2010 season to commence and to deliver results.

For Floyd and the rest of the team, the canvas on which to paint their 2010 masterpiece would be the Amgen Tour of California. The connections are obvious and GM Steve Owens made it clear in stating, "We are working very hard to see it happen. It would be inspirational on so many levels for Rahsaan and this team to race through the streets of downtown Los Angeles."

For bike-racing fans, this is one of the top teams to watch in the coming months. They will not be afraid to animate races, and ultimately, expect to win. Aside from each rider's personal goals, the mission Bahati has given them should prove to be equally empowering.

Win or lose on the road, the Bahati Foundation Pro Cycling Team is about nurturing that essential link and connection between us all, and that's the essence of giving back, as well as the key to winning on the road of life.