H&R Block Pro Cycling adds Victoria, B.C. under-23 rider Joel Taylor to its roster for the 2016 season

H&R Block Pro Cycling may be losing Adam de Vos, who makes a move from the team’s ranks to Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies in 2016. As the 22-year-old rider joins the American team next season, though, new talent will be suiting up in the distinctive H&R Block green when competition kicks off.

As announced today, one of those riders is Joel Taylor of Victoria, B.C., who joins H&R Block from Trek Red Truck Racing Team.

Taylor’s addition to H&R Block’s roster continues an arc that, for the young British Columbian, started at age 13, when he discovered cycling after trying out a number of sports during his childhood — including soccer, cross-country running and competitive swimming. Cycling, however, quickly became Taylor’s passion.

“I am super excited to be joining the H&R Block Pro Cycling team for the 2016 season,” Taylor said. “I am looking forward to seeing what progress I can make with my own cycling career while supporting my teammates to accomplish the team’s goals and objectives.” Seeing what the young B.C. rider can do, team officials said, is a big part of the selection of the talented, spirited cyclist to their ranks. His prestige as a rider already turning heads, the possibilities for Taylor, they added, are sky-high.

“Joel will be a first-year U23 rider who has shown a lot of promise,” said team director Mark Ernsting. That promise, he said, was well demonstrated at a series of events throughout the 2015 season, including contention at this year’s U19 world championships in Richmond, Virginia. “We are looking forward to developing Joel through his initial U3 transition,” Ernsting added, “and seeing how far he can go in the sport.”

Humbly, Taylor is generous with giving credit to those who have helped him along the way so far.

“Thank you to my previous team, Trek Red Truck Racing, who were so supportive in my development to this point,” Taylor said.