Project Echelon Racing is a professional cycling team and nonprofit using sport to educate, equip, and empower veterans through physical activity and community. This monthly update is another way to bring you inside the team. From races and camps to the people and purpose that drive everything we do.
Spring Training Camp
As American cyclists in February, it’s only right to make the pilgrimage to one of the nation’s cycling hotbeds. With early season races, group rides with 200+ attendees, and goatheads galore, Tuscon promises temperate temperatures and roads for miles- making it the perfect setting to gather a group of young bucks and old dogs alike for our spring training camp. Highlights of the camp included the one and only Ed Hill (aka “Brother Ed”) on the grill and the crockpot as we enjoyed a wide variety of chicken, beef, fish, and even hot dogs from our supporters at Goodlife Brands. They shipped us in boxes on boxes of nutritious dinner fixings- meaning we had even more time to bond over shared dinners and clean ups. We also had Dr. Brains (Zach Gregg) working behind the scenes tuning bike fits and tweaking training plans on the ground, as well as chief morale officer and honorary mayor of Des Moines, Matt Zimmer joining us on training rides. Matt will insist he has a “real job” and is “too busy” to train just before he drops a 40 minute threshold effort on you and his pedigree as one of the sport’s great grinders is revealed. We also had new staff additions in director Thomas Craven and mechanic Eric. Craven is one of the most decorated and respected directors in the peloton on top of his own racing career and certainly going to be a key piece in organizing races After a solid week on training, we took on the Tuscon Bike Classic. We split the squad in half for an ARMY (2025 helmets)/NAVY (2026 helmets) team scrimmage. Fun results from the race include: Stage one TT: Eric Brunner ARMY 1st Tim McBirney NAVY 2nd Stage two RR: Luke Elphingstone NAVY 1st Ethan Craine NAVY 2nd Eric Brunner ARMY 3rd Stage three Crit: Eric Brunner ARMY 1st Luke Elphingstone NAVY 4th Overall: Eric Brunner ARMY 1st Stephen Bassett ARMY 2nd
Veteran Spotlight: Stephen Glaus– Resilience, Cycling, and the Power of Mindset
Stephen Glaus is a U.S. Army veteran, endurance athlete, and high-performance mindset coach whose journey from severe disability to competing in IRONMAN triathlons has inspired athletes, veterans, and leaders across multiple communities. Stephen served in the U.S. Army as a 15W UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Operator, deploying to Iraq in 2011. After leaving active duty, he continued supporting operations overseas as a contractor, deploying to Afghanistan from 2015–2016. His work in aviation and mission coordination shaped the discipline, resilience, and leadership mindset that continues to guide his life today. In 2018, Stephen’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Within a short period of time, his condition became severe. He lost the ability to walk, spent time confined to a wheelchair, experienced vision loss, and faced daily neurological challenges that dramatically changed his life. Doctors warned him that there was a strong possibility he would remain permanently wheelchair-bound. Rather than accepting that prognosis, Stephen committed himself to rebuilding his life. Through faith in God, disciplined fitness, and a strict non-inflammatory diet, he began the long process of regaining function and rebuilding strength. About a year into that recovery journey, a VA chiropractor issued a challenge that would change everything: “You should do a full-distance IRONMAN.” What started as an unlikely suggestion quickly became a mission. Stephen began training carefully and deliberately, starting on the Zwift platform so he could safely ride while managing balance and neurological symptoms. Cycling quickly became his favorite discipline, offering both physical rehabilitation and mental freedom. After roughly a year and a half of dedicated training, Stephen completed his first full-distance IRONMAN. Since then, he has gone on to complete three full-distance IRONMAN triathlons and two half-distance races, transforming what once seemed impossible into a new way of life. Inspired by his own recovery and the mental resilience required to overcome MS, Stephen pursued certifications as a Certified High Performance Coach, John Maxwell Certified Speaker/Trainer/Coach, and mindset development coach. Through his coaching practice, MS Mastery, he now works with leaders, athletes, and high performers to help them strengthen their mindset, resilience, and personal leadership. As part of his partnership with Project Echelon, Stephen will be delivering a monthly mindset and high-performance coaching series designed to support athletes in developing the psychological edge needed for both sport and life. These sessions focus on key areas of high performance including:
- Focus and clarity
- Energy and resilience
- Productivity and discipline
- Courage and mental toughness
- Influence and leadership
The sessions are open to the Project Echelon community and will take place on the third Wednesday of each month from 8:00–9:00 PM EST. Athletes and community members can register here:
https://us05web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wm0jNLxxQ960OnBZ_J6a0w Through this partnership, Stephen hopes to give back to the community that has supported him throughout his endurance journey — helping fellow veterans and athletes strengthen not only their physical endurance, but the mindset required to overcome adversity and pursue their fullest potential. As Stephen's motto goes: “Embrace the day.”
P.S. Keep reading for a reward!
Vittoria
Well known as the best tires in the industry- Vittoria isn't ready to rest on their considerable laurels and is pushing performance forward with the debut of their Corsa Pro Speed in a new 30mm width. This is a time trial and race day tire- trading durability for flat out speed. The new width is optimized for modern wide rims to set up a perfect interface of stability and speed. Use Project Echelon's discount code "PER20" for a 20% discount on tires at Vittoria.com. Orders over $50 ship for free.
HEPOX Training System
Former Project Echelon rider and current support staff David Grief is launching his altitude simulation training device and offering members of Project Echelon early access- read more here:
https://hepoxtech.com/?peachs_apc=project-echelon
JAKROO Cycling
Jakroo provides Project Echelon's race clothing as well as our Vanguard line. Jakroo offers the ability to order individual items at will with an industry leading 2 week turnaround. The latest kits from Jakroo are absolutely top quality. Members use code PROJECH30 to save 30% on your items.
https://jakroo.com/store-front?storeId=ByEygX_HWl&titleProp=PE%20Vanguard%202026&bannerProp=null
Next Up: Redlands and Tour of the Gila
Next on the schedule are two of America's classic and prestigious races: the Redlands Bicycle Classic in California and the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico. The team has enjoyed multiple stage and overall victories at these events the past few years and hopes to continue that tradition of excellence while engaging with our veterans. Come on out if you're in the area- we'd love to see you!