The Miami Blazers are racing for a reason greater than victory—although they certainly keep their sights set on the top podium spots in every competition they attend. Made up of an international group of riders from across the US, Caribbean, and Central America, the Blazers are on a mission to challenge the status quo in professional road racing. We caught up with the talented team to learn more about what motivates the individuals behind the handlebars to keep pushing the tempo—and expectations—each season.

 

First rolling onto the scene in 2021, the Miami Blazers are still a fresh presence in the world of American road racing. Yet don’t let their relative newcomer status undersell the experience of the members that feature on the team’s impressive roster, a list stacked with multiple national and international champions. United by talent and a passion for the pursuit of victory, the team’s strongest bonds are perhaps formed by that which sets each member apart: the diverse backgrounds of every individual—a guiding aspect of the Blazers’ core purpose.

 

Or as team member Alexi Costa-Ramirez describes it, “What makes the Blazers special is that we have such a different mix of nationalities and cultures, and the team gives us the opportunity to experience these different cultures. I’m from Trinidad and get the chance to live and race with people from all around Mexico, the USA, Belize, and Barbados.”

Jonny Brown, team member and titleholder as the youngest US professional road racing champion, sums up the Blazers’ mission succinctly:

 

It’s a clear-eyed vision each rider shares.

“Our mission is to expand the idea and new concept of what it means to be a professional in cycling in the United States,” explains Dante Young, “while at the same time showing how diverse and enriching the culture of cycling can be.”
 
Belize-born teammate Oscar Quiroz agrees, adding, “We aim to bring awareness, diversity, and to empower minorities and give them a sense of hope to know they have a chance to do whatever they want.”
 

But it’s Ruben Companioni from Cuba who perhaps sums up the Blazers’ mission best:

 

It’s this mission that helps the team stand out from much of the historically homogenous American road racing establishment, while it’s hard work and talent that perpetually keeps the riders ahead of much of the competition. As to what else helps differentiate the Blazers, Jonny Brown once again weighs in:
“We’re accepting of others. We accept who you are and where you come from, and no matter what type of person you are, we’re helping and encouraging our teammates to be the best versions of themselves.”

 

When asked what he thinks makes the Miami Blazers unique, 2021 USA Elite Road Race and Criterium National Champion Daniel Estevez shares a similar sentiment:

 

Another distinguishing feature is the supportive relationships between each team member, a reality rider Spencer Moavenzadeh illustrates, stating, “We care about each other as people. We care about what [our teammates] have been through, the experiences they’ve had. I’m excited to learn about them and see what they can teach me and bring to each race.”

And the more they get to know one another, the closer the team’s bond grows.
“Everyone is so different in culture but easy to get along with, despite our different backgrounds and origins,” explains Dante Young. “It’s a very unique thing about us, which you can see naturally behind the scenes and at races.”

 

Teammate Tanner Ward agrees, adding that what happens on the bike is just as important as “…the friendships off the bike, we all get along with one another, and it’s just a good environment which is special and good for the race also.”
As such a tight-knit group, it’s no surprise that membership means a lot to each rider.

“The team for me is like a big family,” says Mexican national and multi-time Pan-American Champion Antoineta Gaxiola. “I like representing the team, and I also feel a great sense of responsibility in putting on this jersey.”

 

Josh Kelly, who rides with the Blazers far away from his native Barbados, finds similar familial support, adding, “The team means to me a second home and family. It’s the place in which I pursue the sport I’m so passionate about.”

Of course, being part of such a groundbreaking movement comes with a certain weight of significance, and each member takes their role seriously.

 

Daniel Estevez shares Alexi’s excitement, saying, “The team means a lot to me because, by being part of it, I can bring a message to the next generations coming up in the sport and be able to be the little bit of light that they need to continue.”

When asked what his goals are this season with the Blazers, Oscar Quiroz replies enthusiastically, “To be a better me, a more professional me—resulting in the betterment of the people around me. And especially to help the team. One for all, all for one!”

 

The Miami Blazers’ season is heating up with big wins already under their collective bib straps, such as Brandon Feehery’s recent victory to earn the title of Elite US Criterium National Champion.
As for what the riders are looking to get out of the experience the next few months hold, Spencer Moavenzadeh shares his goals: “I’m most excited about who I’ll be at the end of the year. I’m really looking forward to that. It will be fricking tough. If we lose, if some of us go down, just how we’ll come out of it together will be something to remember.”

You can ride along with the Miami Blazers throughout the twists and turns of the ongoing season over on Instagram @miamib1azers.

 

Photo:
Kit Karzen