Why We Ride
HISTORY
The Squadra Coppi team was founded in 1994 and originally known as Unione Sportiva Coppi.
We changed our name to Squadra Coppi in 1997. The club is named after Italian bike racer Fausto
Coppi - “il campionissimo” - the champion of champions. Fausto’s achievements include:
- Five time winner of the Giro d’Italia
- Two time winner of the Tour de France
- First rider to win both the Giro d’Italia andTo ur de France in the same year
- Winner of the World Championships, Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo (3), Giro di Lombardia (5), held the Hour Record
FOCUS OF THE CLUB
Squadra Coppi is focused on racing and all members are expected to participate in mass-start races
and support bike racing through volunteering for club races. Our team's motto "Vincere Insieme" - Italian
for "to win together" - captures our team's commitments to rider development and camaraderie. Our main
goals are to have fun, be respected as a club, and avoid letting good results “go to our heads.”
TRAINING
Informal club rides are available almost every day, while formal team rides are on Friday and Sunday
mornings (see our Rides Page). Team rides are open to anyone who shows up. If you
are a newcomer and show up for a ride, please introduce yourself. Cycling can be dangerous, so we require
all riders to wear a helmet on all rides - NO exceptions!
SOCIAL LIFE
The best part of Squadra Coppi is the camaraderie, on and off the bike. We encourage each other
to get stronger through training and try to foster an esprit de corps. Many rides end with coffee at
the Java Shack in Arlington. Team dinners are the second Monday of each month at Vapiano
in Arlington. These gatherings allow club members to socialize, discuss team business, and are a
great way to introduce new members to the club.
CONTACTS
If you’re curious about the team, join us on some of our Friday or Sunday rides - that’s the best way
to get to know the team members. We welcome riders of all ability levels, including those new to the
sport. If you are interested in joining the team, please email the Membership Coordinator. We look forward to meeting you!