[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 4, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BMC RACING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 4, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
BMC Racing for their success in the 2018 Tour de France.
  BMC Racing is headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, in my 
district. Headed by former American cyclist Jim Ochowicz, who serves as 
President and team manager, the team sent six cyclists to the Tour this 
year, including Tejay van Garderen of Tacoma, Washington.
  At the 2018 Tour de France, BMC proved its abilities once again at 
the highest levels of competition in the cycling world. The team 
finished eighth overall in the 2018 Tour de France, emerged victorious 
in the Stage 3 Team Time Trial, and earned seven yellow jerseys--along 
with five stage victories. Individual team members also did well: Greg 
Van Avermaat stood in first places for eight consecutive stages, while 
Damiano Caruso finished in 20th place overall.
  The BMC organization regularly trains in Santa Rosa and the wine 
country area. They are also active in the community. Their ``Cycle with 
Champions'' ride is done in conjunction with Team Swift, a local youth 
cycling organization, and many organization officials have ties to the 
Santa Rosa region. BMC has a history of producing champion cyclists, 
and once again displayed their resilience and dedication in 2018. At 
the finish line, Damiano Caruso summed up the overall morale of the 
team, saying, ``At the end of three weeks, I can say that my experience 
was positive.''
  Mr. Speaker, BMC Racing has deep roots in the Santa Rosa community, 
and continues to inspire generations of young cyclists. It is therefore 
fitting and proper that we honor the cyclists and owners on their 
accomplishment in this year's Tour de France.

                          ____________________