Canada’s Kofman, Plaxton to roll out with Ridebiker Alliance p/b Sho-Air as privateers in 2016

When its 2016 roster kicks off the season’s competition, Ridebiker Alliance p/b Sho-Air is going to boast a fresh generation of Canadian talent among its ranks. As the team announced via a release, Toronto’s Mikaela Kofman, along with Max Plaxton from Victoria, B.C., will be riding under the team’s banner next season — as privateers.

Along with the two Canadian riders, 14 other new additions will be rolling out with the squad.

The 16 cyclists joining Ridebiker Alliance next season represent its pro privateer mountain bike roster, a departure from the traditional factory team model that bears similarities the organization of motorsports. “We’ve diversified our focus from supporting a few factory riders,” said the team’s founder, Scott Tedro, “to being able to support far more racers from a variety of demographics. Since so many of the professionals are local or regional heroes who need extra support to compete nationally and internationally, the privateer model is ideally suited for them.”

In short, it’s influential backing for a pack of otherwise lone wolves, and it’s new to cycling as a North American sport.

Along with the Canadian contingent of Kofman and Plaxton, the composition of Ridebiker Alliance’ team will include other commanding names, too, like Ellen Noble, Larissa Connors and Eric Bostrom. By taking the privateering approach, the organization, officials say, can support a larger, stronger field of riders, many of whom may otherwise be unable to compete as a member of the team under the traditional model. “More athletes than ever have the ability to reach an audience and make an impact for a brand,” vice president Colt Elwaine explained. “There are so many deserving men and women attempting to make a career out of racing bikes, yet available roster spots for North American riders have been steadily decreasing for years, partially due to an outdated factory team model.”

“With Ridebiker Alliance signing 16 athletes to our professional mountain bike squad,” McElwaine added, “as well as our title sponsorship of the 2016 UCI women’s road team, we are planning to turn that trend on its head.”

2016’s team — a gilded list of Olympians, under-23 national champions and provincial champions alike — is as follows:

Erin Alders (Downieville, CA)
Jason Blodgett (Indianapolis, IN)
Eric Bostrom (Newbury Park, CA)
Larissa Connors (Silverado, CA)
Mikaela Kofman (Toronto, ON, CAN)
Levi Kurlander (Durango, CO)
Payson McElveen (Durango, CO)
Billy Melone (Lancaster, MA)
Ellen Noble (Kennebunkport, ME)
Cole Oberman (Harrisonburg, VA)
Max Plaxton (Victoria, BC, CAN)
Spencer Rathkamp (Stevenson Ranch, CA)
Sammi Runnels (Austin, TX)
Emily Schaldach (Boulder, CO)
Sam Schultz (Missoula, MT)
Tristan Uhl (Austin, TX)