Larry UHC Cycling has signed 21-year-old Canadian Nicholas Zukowski and 24-year-old American Steven Bassett to join the 2020 roster of the US Pro Continental team.
Bassett, who joined Continental in 2016 with Team Jamis and then spent the next two years with Silver Pro Cycling, has so far this year won a stage at the Redlands Bicycle Classic, two UCI ranked Joe Martin stage races stage and overall wins, a win at the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic Criterium, and second place at the USA Cycling Pro Road Race Championships behind Alex Howes (EF Education First). [Bassett, who started the season as an elite amateur with First Internet Bank Cycling, said, "It was my best season by a factor of 10. On paper it seemed like a downgrade, but in reality it was a huge opportunity and revived my love for the sport and hard work."
Zukofsky raced for Silver for two seasons before the team switched sponsors to Floyd Pro Cycling this year, winning the overall Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay in June from Floyds and finishing third overall in the Tour de Beauce.
"I think what it really meant for me was that I became more confident," Zukofsky said.
"When you experience the feeling of being at the front of a race and competing for a good finish, you gain confidence and realize that you have what it takes to win.
The two join Rally's all-North American roster, and the team plans to expand its European activities next year. In its second year with Pro Continental, Rally UHC has competed in big European races, including the Fresh Walloon and Tour de Suisse, as well as the Tour of California, Tour de Luxembourg, and Tour de Yorkshire.
Bassett said he is excited about the team's "high expectations and goals" in the European peloton.
"They are taking a big step toward becoming a major player in Europe. 'I also pay attention to the retention rate of our players,' he said."
"We are looking forward to making a home in Europe," Bassett said. 'I think the team's plan to build a home base in Girona, Spain, is a big step towards integrating into the European race. I want to be as useful as possible for the team and also create my own opportunities to keep the fire burning."
European racing also caught Zukofsky's attention.
"I'm really looking forward to racing abroad and learning the dynamics of racing. Traveling is a "work" perk, so it's always exciting to visit new places. Next year will be my last season as a U23, so my personal goals are focused on the Tour de Lavenir and the World Championships. There are races I want to compete in, but I always want to do my best to prepare and help the team."
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