SRAM RED AXS 2024

Lucas Bourgoyne

One word I would use to describe the SRAM Red Axs Groupset is refined…

I had this groupset first installed right before US Professional Nationals, the first of three consecutive rainy crits (US Pro Crit, Easton Twilight, Tour of Somerville). Honestly, I was nervous - I usually don’t like to put new things on my bike the day before a race. But I came to find that installing Red Axs was one of the best decisions I could’ve made for a technical rainy crit. Between the lighter brake pull feel and improved performance of braking I could tell within minutes of starting the race that I had a secret weapon up my sleeve. There’s nothing better than being able to go into a corner at Mock-Jesus speed, pulling brake at the last minute, shooting thirty wheels forward, and to get through the corner with no issues. It’s one hell of a lethal asset. Another exciting feature of the groupset that it’s almost a half pound lighter than its predecessor, putting my bike weight in at just a hair over 15 pounds. How many people do you know that can say they have a 15 pound disc brake aero bike? Last but not least, SRAM is now offering up to a 56T chain ring with their SRAM Red Axs Groupset. As a thic (with three c’s) sprinter boy who’s tasked with going speeds of over 40 mph and pushing 1800 watts towards the line, this has been one heck of a game changer for me. I’m proud to say that since installing the new SRAM Red Axs I have been able to take my first national level win at Easton Twilight this past weekend. It has been one heck of a ride and I can’t thank SRAM enough for putting me on the best equipment possible. One down and here’s to many more achievements on the new Red Axs!

BAck 2 back

Alexis Ryan

Last year, I won Athens Twilight as a solo rider. Athens, my adopted hometown, felt a little bit closer to my heart after that moment. While the race may not be known internationally, it is one of the cornerstones of American criterium racing. It is also a cornerstone event of the Athens community. Thousands of Athenian fans line the circuit on a typically pristine spring evening every April.

Winning the event in 2023 cemented my name in Athens history. As special as that was, the moment also felt a bit lackluster. I missed sharing the win with my team, L39ION of Los Angeles. I missed seeing the joy on my teammates’ faces of a job well done. When I learned that the event would be a team race for 2024, with the help of our ever-supportive sponsors

SRAM, Factor, Assos, Giro, and more, I thought to myself, “Here we go, baby! BACK TO BACK.” It was the same move I made last year. Accelerate through the final corner, exit first, straighten out, sprint to the line. It’s long, but I don’t look back. I hit the line first, instantly enveloped in a cloud of smoke. As the cloud breaks, I’m met with a wall of screaming. Screams of joy, elation, excitement, and passion. Screams marinated in light beer and mixers. All those people screaming are people I know. They’re my family, my friends, my neighbors. My community. I turned to face my sister and my teammates, Yarely and Llori. They were beaming (and screaming). We’d done it!

Despite winning in 2023, I hadn’t been picked as a favorite to win. The competition was fierce—much more so than in previous years. What the cycling media failed to realize is the strength and motivation that a supportive community provides. I love you, Athens! And thank you, thank you, thank you to my team and our sponsors for making this little town I call home the center of the universe for a night.