Pro Cyclist Alexev Vermeulen Visits Chelsea for Distinguished Speaker Series

Professional cyclist Alexey Vermeulen will visit Aberdeen Bike & Outdoors in Chelsea on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Vermeulen, 18, a resident of Pinckney, will share highlights from a recent mont-long training trip with his pro team in Spain. Vermeulen rides for the development team sponsored by the Swiss bike company BMC.

A rising star in American cycling, Vermeulen played hockey and dabbled in triathlon before he started cycling seriously at 14. In 2011 he won the road race at U.S. Junior Nationals, and the victory set off a cascade of opportunities.

Cycling teams started seeking him out. He spent last summer racing and training in Europe with USA Cycling, rode in the Junior World Championships in September and signed a pro contract with BMC in December.

“The adventure he's been on in these last couple of years is incredible,” said Aberdeen Bike & Outdoors owner Mike Casey. “I'm excited to hear about what he's been doing.”

The free presentation is part of a series of clinics and events this winter.

Follow Alexey on Twitter @alexeyvermeulen or check out the Chronicles of Lexcaliber.