America’s most inspiring and inclusive cycling challenge, Face of America: Gettysburg, returned to Arlington, Virginia on April 21-23, 2023. The adaptive cycling challenge began in Crystal City, and concluded at the historic Civil War community of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Former professional cyclist, three-time Tour de France winner, and cycling ambassador, Greg LeMond attended this year’s event. Since World T.E.A.M.’s beginning, LeMond has been an avid supporter of its mission and community.
“In 1994 the founders of World T.E.A.M. Sports, Jim Benson and Steve Whisnant, approached me about participating in an event planned to take place in March of 1995,” recalls LeMond. “Every experience that I have had with these athletes and their families has been profoundly moving. I have learned so much from these athletes and I have a deep commitment to supporting World T.E.A.M. Sports and their mission that The Exceptional Athlete Matters.”
“We were excited to have our long time ambassador and former board member Greg LeMond join us for Face of America.” says World T.E.A.M. CEO and President, Jon Brideau. “LeMond has had a long history with our organization, actively participating in our events and has cultivated meaningful relationships with our athletes. Our riders will be thrilled to see him and his amazing e-bikes from LeMond Bicycles.”
To celebrate their continuing partnership with LeMond Bikes, World T.E.A.M. announced LeMond as the official bike sponsor for Face of America: Gettysburg. Riders raising higher levels can earn special benefits, including a chance to win a Lemond Prolog e-bike.
Advisor Group, one of the largest independent broker/dealer networks in the U.S., was also announced as Face of America: Gettysburg’s newest presenting sponsor; continuing the American Portfolios’ sponsorship legacy.
“We were excited to welcome Advisor Group to the Face of America family as our presenting sponsor,” says Brideau. “American Portfolios has been one of the most significant partners for World T.E.A.M Sports. We were also excited to welcome their expanded ride team: Team Advisory Group Eagles to FOA!”
“We salute and appreciate all the riders who participated,” said Lon Dolber, Vice Chairman of Advisor Group. “The commitment and perseverance they represent is an inspiration for each of us to strive to be the best version of ourselves in any situation. Our team enjoyed joining the riders on the journey.”
Held annually since 2006, the non-competitive program honors America’s adaptive military veterans and their exceptional sacrifices and dedication. Over 350 athletes, countless volunteers, and sponsors together raised over $750,000 to support World T.E.A.M and its mission of inclusivity, making this a record year for FOA. Over 75 of these athletes were adaptive military veterans who live with paralysis, loss of limb, blindness, Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injuries and other injuries and conditions. One of the largest inclusive cycling programs in the country, Face of America is unique in that all athletes pedal alongside each other on road bicycles, three-wheel recumbent bicycles and hand cycles, thus inspiring the social media hashtag #weallridethesameroad.
Along the route, many local communities turned out to support the riders, showing appreciation to the participating adaptive veterans. Athletes completed Saturday’s ride at the Frederick Fairgrounds in Maryland. Early Sunday afternoon, athletes completed their journey from Arlington at the World War II American Experience museum in Gettysburg, a new location for the annual ride. The museum honors the American soldiers’ experience at World War II with a display of exhibits, artifacts, and authentic tanks and other war vehicles.
World T.E.A.M.’s Face of America is annually supported through generous sponsorship and partnerships. Presented by Advisor Group, additional partners include Capital One, Booz Allen Hamilton, Dell Technologies, Forescout, Restoration Capital, Navy Federal Credit Union, Penske Truck Rental, LeMond Bicycles, Mt. Airy Bicycle Company, and Chris Chaney Event Consulting.