Blog Posts

7/17/2025

Project Echelon Tops the North American Medal Rankings Midway Through the 2025 Season

Continue reading with Criterium Nation HERE.

5/28/2025

Trace-A-Matic and Project Echelon Racing: Equipping and Empowering Veterans

At Trace-A-Matic, their mission is clear: "Equipping those who Defend Freedom."

Trace-A-Matic was founded in 1968 and has since grown into a leading precision machining company known for its commitment to quality and innovation.

Headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, with additional operations in Houston, Texas, the company operates over 140 advanced CNC machining centers across more than 300,000 square feet of climate-controlled manufacturing space.

Trace-A-Matic serves a diverse range of industries, including aerospace and defense, medical equipment, oil and gas, power generation, food processing, heavy transportation and for Project Echelon Racing - racing components.

The company’s mission is centered on delivering exceptional customer satisfaction through manufacturing excellence. This is reflected in their core values, which emphasize quality, a can-do attitude, respect, truthfulness, and generosity. These values are not only embedded in their operations but also in their approach to workforce development and community engagement.

“We are dedicated to providing our customers with high-quality components for their assemblies, ensuring that our warfighters have the greatest confidence of success in the field,” Thorsten Wienss, CEO of Trace-A-Matic said. “This commitment to excellence extends beyond our products and into our partnerships, most notably with Project Echelon Racing.”

Under the leadership of Wienss, Trace-A-Matic has deepened its social impact by aligning with causes like Project Echelon Racing. Wienss, a longtime supporter and friend of the organization, has helped shape a company culture that values both technical precision and human purpose.

Educate, Equip, and Empower Veterans Project Echelon Racing shares a vision that resonates deeply with Trace-A-Matic: to Educate, Equip, and Empower Veterans. Through this partnership, they are not only providing veterans with the latest technology to ensure their safe return home but are also committed to supporting their journey to live a full life upon their return. By giving veterans a new life mission - help them overcome the physical or mental challenges they may face.

“Our partnership with Project Echelon Racing is a testament to our shared mission of equipping and empowering those who serve. Whether it's through providing top-notch components for our current enlisted men and women or supporting veterans in their journey to a fulfilling life, we are proud to stand alongside Project Echelon in making a difference. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of those who defend our freedom and the veterans who have served our country.”

Workforce Development and Opportunities Trace-A-Matic, is always looking for talented individuals to join their team. Currently, Wienss and team are heavily recruiting machine operators who are eager to grow into machinists. We believe in providing our employees with the opportunity to learn and develop the skills needed to keep their brothers enlisted safe with high-quality technology. By investing in our workforce, we ensure that our commitment to excellence continues for generations to come.
Trace-A-Matic’s story is one of precision, purpose, and partnership—where cutting-edge manufacturing meets a heartfelt commitment to those who serve. To learn more about Trace-A-Matic, visit their website HERE.

5/19/2025

Day 1 of US ParaNationals - Celebrating Project Echelon Veteran National Champions - Justin Mathers & Shawn Morelli

Fifteen Para-Cycling Titles Awarded on the First Day of 2025 Pro Road Nationals

Para-cyclists competed for the Stars and Stripes in Downtown Charleston.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – May 19, 2025 – The 2025 USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships kicked off on Monday morning with the Para-cycling categories. Twenty-six of the nation’s best para-athletes competed for the first time in Charleston as part of the Pro Road National Championships.

The first race of the day kicked off with the Tandem and Cycling classes. Men’s Tandem and C3-C5 raced a total of nine laps on the eight-kilometer course, which totaled 69-kilometers. Earning the first gold medal of the week, Michael Murphy (Rio Rancho, N.M.; The Veloflö Projekt) and pilot Joseph Matta won the Men’s B class. They completed the race in just under two hours. “This was a great race getting us prepped for tomorrow’s time trial,” said Murphy. “Being able to be out there with the other categories was awesome. It’s an electrifying event; this is super cool having this many people around for a race.”

Men’s B (Tandem) Results:
1. Michael Murphy & Joseph Matta (Rio Rancho, N.M.; The Veloflö Projekt)

In the second wave of the day in the Men’s C5 category, Chris Grant (Lake Placid, N.Y.; High Peaks Cyclery) delivered a strong performance, claiming the top step of the podium with a seven-minute lead over second place Erik Olson (Bridger, Mont.; CAF Cycling/Allard Team Up). In the same wave the Men’s C4 race was tight all the way to the line.

CJ Howard (Sacramento, Calif.; Pacos/Shriners Racing) and Mitch Brekke (Hartland, Minn.; Gray Duck Racing) both racing in the Men’s C4 category, and Justin Mathers (Fayetteville, N.C.; Project Ridgeline p/b Irish Cycles) in the Men’s C3 rode together for most of the nine-lap race. Mathers pulled away from Howard and Brekke late in the last lap to claim the Men’s C3 title. Howard and Brekke kept eyes on each other, staying neck and neck all the way to the line. Finishing in a sprint, Howard secured the Stars and Stripes while Brekke earned silver. Ricardo Alanis Saldivar (Mission, Texas; Bikes & More) rounded out the podium in third for the Men’s C4.

Men’s C5 (Cycling) Results:
1. Chris Grant (Lake Placid, N.Y.; High Peaks Cyclery)
2. Erik Olson (Bridger, Mont.; CAF Cycling/Allard Team Up)

Men’s C4 (Cycling) Results:
1. CJ Howard (Sacramento, Calif.; Pacos/Shriners Racing)
2. Mitch Brekke (Hartland, Minn.; Gray Duck Racing)
3. Ricardo Alanis Saldivar (Mission, Texas; Bikes & More)

Men’s C3 (Cycling) Results:
1. Justin Mathers (Fayetteville, N.C.; Project Ridgeline p/b Irish Cycles)

The third wave featured the Men’s C1-C2, and Women’s C1-C5 categories, each completing seven laps for a total of 53.9 kilometers. In the Men’s C2 race, Adrian Wright (Dillon, S.C.; WrightStrong Elite Cyclists) claimed the national title with a time of 1:55:23. On the women’s side, Tracy Lamarche (Easley, S.C.; Greenville Cycling and Multisport) took the top step in the C2 event.

“It was a really nice day for a race,” said Women’s C5 winner Elizabeth Neag (Medina, Ohio; Cleveland Cycling Academy). “First lap through, it came down to three of us. There was another racer in the C5 category [Kelly Worrell] and then my friend Shawn Morelli. We rode together for most of the race. About halfway through, we opened a gap, so it was just Shawn and I crossing the line together. I left a little in the tank for tomorrow because the Time Trial is coming up, so I am super excited for that!” Shawn Morelli (Leavenworth, Kan.; DNA Cycling) went on to win the Women’s C4 race.

Men’s C2 (Cycling) Results:
1. Adrian Wright (Dillon, S.C.; WrightStrong Elite Cyclists)

Women's C2 (Cycling) Results:
1. Tracy Lamarche (Easley, S.C.; Greenville Cycling and Multisport)

Women's C5 (Cycling) Results:
1. Elizabeth Neag (Medina, Ohio; Cleveland Cycling Academy)
2. Kelly Worrell (Augusta, Ga.)

Women's C4 (Cycling) Results:
1. Shawn Morelli (Leavenworth, Kan.; DNA Cycling)

The second race of the day kicked off with high speeds from the Men’s H3 and H4 races. Riders completed seven laps, covering a total distance of 53.9 kilometers. They started with a fairly large group that stayed together for most of the race. By the last lap, the group dwindled down to two riders, Casey Falkner (Stevensville, Mich.; Mary Free Bed Handcycling) and Todd Richardson (Travelers Rest, S.C.; Alive Day Apparel). Falkner edged out Richardson right at the line, winning the H4 category. Meanwhile, Richardson scored the H3 National Title.

Men’s H3 (Handcycle) Results:
1. Todd Richardson (Travelers Rest, S.C.; Alive Day Apparel)
2. Kevin Hillery (Alexandria, Va.; Paralyzed Veterans of America Racing PB First Nation Group)

Men's H4 (Handcycle) Results:
1. Casey Falkner (Stevensville, Mich.; Mary Free Bed Handcycling)
2. Bryan Lara (Richmond, Va.)
3. Jared Fenstermacher (Bloomsburg, Penn.; Team Skyline Cadence)

In the next race, the Women’s H3 and H4 categories each completed six laps, covering a total of 46.2 kilometers. Gabrielle Platt (Tulsa, Okla.) and Jo Ann Outten Kenton (Harrington, Del.) rode most of the race together, drafting off one another. Platt was able to ride away towards the end of the race, winning the H3 category, while Outten Kenton took the H4 National Title.

Women's H3 (Handcycle) Results:
1. Gabrielle Platt (Tulsa, Okla.)

Women's H4 (Handcycle) Results:
1. Jo Ann Outten Kenton (Harrington, Del.)

Next up were the Men’s and Women’s T2 categories. In the men’s race, Justin Caine (Holt, Mich.) earned the gold medal after completing four laps for a total of 30.8 kilometers. On the women’s side, Sara Whittingham (Aurora, Ohio) and Mandy Kloepfer (Rockford, Ill.; Peace Cycling Performance/CAF) took on the same challenging course, with Whittingham ultimately taking the win.

When asked about her race, Whittingham said, “This is my first time racing on the trike, so the corners are a challenge for me. I was struggling a little bit since I am still trying to get used to it.” Whittingham has found that cycling has helped so many aspects of her life saying, “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about five years ago. Cycling is known to slow progressive Parkinson's, so I’ve been really wanting to raise awareness about how important it is to exercise. I am also a veteran and want to raise awareness about veterans with Parkinson’s. As veterans, we can still keep placing and competing. We need to keep fighting to stay healthy. This was a really great experience, and overall a fun day!”

Men’s T2 (Tricycle) Results:
1. Justin Caine (Holt, Mich.)

Women's T2 (Tricycle) Results:
1. Sara Whittingham (Aurora, Ohio)
2. Mandy Kloepfer (Rockford, Ill.; Peace Cycling Performance/CAF)

Up Next
Racing continues tomorrow with the Junior and Para Individual Time Trials. Click here for the full event schedule.

Follow along throughout the week on social media @USACycling, along with the live timing and livestream on FloBikes. Learn more about how to watch the events here.

5/15/2025

Oro Valley and Marana Become a Preferred Training Destination and Home of The Project Echelon Gran Fondo on the Road to Nationals

Project Echelon's Third Consecutive Gran Fondo in Pima County: A Celebration of Veterans, Cycling, and Community
For the third year in a row, Project Echelon returned to Pima County, uniting with Explore Oro Valley and Discover Marana to host an unforgettable Gran Fondo—a ride that goes beyond cycling to uplift and empower veterans. Held on April 5-6, 2025, the event reinforced the mission of endurance sports to support veterans, while showcasing the scenic beauty and welcoming communities of Oro Valley and Marana.

“Pima County, and specifically the communities of Oro Valley and Marana, have become a home away from home for the Project Echelon organization. During the winter months, the desert roads become our training grounds, the restaurants and coffee shops are our social gathering spaces, and the community as a whole offers the perfect setting for our annual Gran Fondo event.” says Eric Hill, Project Echelon President.

A Partnership Built on Purpose
Both Oro Valley and Marana have a deep-rooted commitment to honoring veterans, making this event a natural fit for their values. Both are designated Purple Heart Towns, proudly recognizing the sacrifices made by service members and dedicated to initiatives that promote wellness and support for veterans.
"We are deeply committed to supporting our veterans,” Stefanie Boe, Tourism and Marketing Manager said. “This partnership with Project Echelon not only promotes physical wellness and community engagement but also aligns with our vision to honor those who have served. We are proud to collaborate with Project Echelon and the Town of Oro Valley to create an inclusive and empowering experience for veterans and cyclists alike."
For Oro Valley, known for its dedication to health and outdoor activity, partnering with Project Echelon was an ideal way to merge cycling, wellness, and community engagement into a single event.
"Oro Valley is all about wellness, connection, and supporting our community, so this event felt like a natural fit,” Crystal Franke, Destination Marketing Manager, Town of Oro Valley continued. “It was great seeing veterans, athletes, and supporters ride through our beautiful region. We’re so glad we could be part of it."

The Ride: A Journey Through Scenic Arizona
Cyclists embarked on 50 and 75-mile routes winding through the stunning landscapes of Oro Valley and Marana, making stops at Arizona Heroes Memorial and the Fallen Marine Memorial to reflect on the true meaning behind the event.
Marana, known for its rugged beauty and year-round cycling weather, was a highlight for riders.
"Partnering with Project Echelon for the Gran Fondo Ride is an incredible opportunity to showcase Marana’s scenic roads, welcoming community, and perfect nearly year-round cycling weather,” Boe commented. “We look forward to seeing them return, not just for this event, but as part of their future adventures."
Unlike traditional races, this Gran Fondo was a non-competitive ride, fostering unity among cyclists, veterans, and supporters as they rode together with a shared purpose.

Project Echelon's Presence
Project Echelon’s professional cycling team joined the ride, not to compete, but to mentor and inspire participants. Their involvement reinforced Project Echelon’s mission of using endurance sports to help veterans regain purpose, confidence, and community through structured training and engagement.
"We were incredibly proud to be part of this year's Project Echelon Gran Fondo and support their mission of empowering veterans through cycling,” Franke said. “Oro Valley’s scenic beauty, strong sense of community, and commitment to wellness align perfectly with Project Echelon’s values. It was also an honor to partner with our neighbors in Marana to help bring this meaningful ride to life. The opportunity to connect with the athletes and veterans left a lasting impression on our community and we’re grateful for the experience and look forward to future collaborations."

Looking Ahead
With another successful Gran Fondo completed, the partnership between Project Echelon, Oro Valley, and Marana continues to strengthen. As Project Echelon expands, their professional team sets sights on major competitions, including the 2028 Olympics, proving that cycling is more than just a sport—it’s a vehicle for change.
For those interested in supporting Project Echelon’s mission, donation and registration opportunities are available on their official website.

5/13/2025

The Road to Nationals in Pursuit of a National Championship & Why It Means More Than Winning a Title

Project Echelon looks for more wins at #USPro

When former professional road cyclist Eric Hill had a chance to establish his own bike racing team back in 2016, it had to have a mission bigger than himself. The Waukesha, Wisconsin-based Hill had friends and family members in the military and knew how tough life can be for returning vets. So he founded Project Echelon, an organization that helps veterans, along with Project Echelon Racing Team, a group of North American pros who partner with a variety of veteran organizations.

“Our goal is to donate about 22 percent of sponsorship dollars to veteran programs,” Hill says. “We use our platform not simply to advance our own dreams and aspirations, but also to empower others.” The team has grown from the best in the Midwest to the top domestic team in North America, winning this year’s Tour of the Gila. They’re also a UCI Continental Professional Team, earning invitations around the globe to battle it out with big-budget World Tour teams. “It’s a dog fight to get into those events,” says Hill. “Teams at our level have to be very scrappy and agile.”

Read the full article here.

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Project Echelon Tops the North American Medal Rankings Midway Through the 2025 Season

Trace-A-Matic and Project Echelon Racing: Equipping and Empowering Veterans

Day 1 of US ParaNationals - Celebrating Project Echelon Veteran National Champions - Justin Mathers & Shawn Morelli

Oro Valley and Marana Become a Preferred Training Destination and Home of The Project Echelon Gran Fondo on the Road to Nationals

The Road to Nationals in Pursuit of a National Championship & Why It Means More Than Winning a Title

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