Charlie Avis hopes to make it big

Charlie Avis is one of many US cyclists hoping to follow in the footsteps of Lance Armstrong and make it big on the ProTour.

And he has fair chance of making it big. After all he is part of the Trek-Livestrong Under-23 development squad owned by the cycling legend himself.

The 19-year-old is the youngest among the 14 riders Livestrong have recruited with a hope of them graduating to the ProTour and probably represent Armstrong’s current team RadioShack.
“It’s a great opportunity to me and for my professional career.

Getting advice from Lance and Axel Merckx (who handles the development teams’ programme and is a son of legendary Eddy Merckx) so early in my career is really rewarding. I have an opportunity to tap into the vast experience both of them have on the ProTour,” said an excited Avis, who was chosen after winning the US national time trial title last year.

Charlie and his teammate from Livestrong, Chase Pinkham, are part of the Mumbai Livestrong All Stars team, which will also consist of Sydney Olympic gold medallist Scott McGory of Australia, Leif Lampatner of Germany and Nosh Mistry, an Indian who is settled in Australia.