From the Ground Up

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From the Ground Up

Sweet Protection is proud to partner up with From the Ground Up project, providing helmets and eyewear to the team. From the Ground Up started as a project intended to inspire cyclists of all ability levels to step outside of their comfort zones. In it’s 5th season, and our team athlete, Alexey Vermeulen, have come to realize how important the power of community is when taking on monumental challenges. Keep reading to see what the founders have to say about the project and how the team did at Leadville MTB 100.

“We started this project because we believed the pathways of entry to the sport were changing after the pandemic. Our goal was to find a way to breakdown barriers through relatability as more people entered the sport for new reasons.”


- Alexey Vermeulen

“We started this project because we believed the pathways of entry to the sport were changing after the pandemic. Our goal was to find a way to breakdown barriers through relatability as more people entered the sport for new reasons.”


- Alexey Vermeulen

Leadville MTB 100

For Season 5, FTGU brought the team together for 3 training camps in Memphis, Boulder, and Leadville to prepare for their big goal: racing the Leadville 100. In under 4 months, the crew learned to tackle 105 miles (170 km) with 12,304 ft (3,750 m) of climbing—building endurance, skills, fueling, mechanical know‑how, and altitude resilience along the way. Leadville tested everything, but the growth was undeniable. This is what FTGU is about: a rock‑solid plan, unwavering commitment, and a support system that believes you can. Huge congrats to Caleb DeRoin, Greta Shaffer, and Kimberly Callton on your incredible efforts and progress—we can’t wait to see what you conquer next!

 

For Season 5, FTGU brought the team together for 3 training camps in Memphis, Boulder, and Leadville to prepare for their big goal: racing the Leadville 100. In under 4 months, the crew learned to tackle 105 miles (170 km) with 12,304 ft (3,750 m) of climbing—building endurance, skills, fueling, mechanical know‑how, and altitude resilience along the way. Leadville tested everything, but the growth was undeniable. This is what FTGU is about: a rock‑solid plan, unwavering commitment, and a support system that believes you can. Huge congrats to Caleb DeRoin, Greta Shaffer, and Kimberly Callton on your incredible efforts and progress—we can’t wait to see what you conquer next!

 

“FTGU has given me a new viewpoint from which I enjoy racing. I get to be competitive on race day, but also build community in my sport and have a positive impact way beyond my results.”

— Alexey Vermeulen

Follow them!

Do you want to be a part of the FTGU family or follow them on the road? Have a look at their sites!

WebsiteInstagram

Follow them!

Do you want to be a part of the FTGU family or follow them on the road? Have a look at their sites!

WebsiteInstagram
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