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.
March & April: From Europe to Redlands
The last couple months have been a whirlwind! After kicking off our European campaign in March, the team rolled straight into one of the biggest domestic races of the year: The Redlands Bicycle Classic. We could easily write an entire blog about Redlands alone, but here are the highlights.
Redlands: (Jakroo) Yellow Jerseys, Podiums, and Sunset Loop
The team delivered another strong showing at Redlands. After Eric Brunner powered to victory in the opening time trial (which is becoming a suspiciously consistent Project Echelon tradition at this point), the squad spent the next several days fighting to defend the leader’s jersey. And yes — a Jakroo yellow jersey, which somehow looked even better in person. While defending yellow, the team was also helping Luke Elphingstone ride to two podium finishes on Stages 2 and 4, proving once again that this group knows how to race aggressively while still protecting the bigger picture. As always, the general classification came down to the famous Sunset Loop — one of the most selective finishing circuits in American stage racing. We came up just short of the overall GC, but the week was full of grit, teamwork, and the kind of racing that reminds us why Redlands matters. Brunner probably summed it up best:
“A win in the TT and three days in yellow. Came up short of the overall, but I can’t say I’m disappointed because I did my best and the team had my back every bit of it.”
Before Redlands: Europe Split Squads
Before Redlands, the team regrouped overseas to begin the European season, racing with two squads simultaneously — one in Greece and one just across the sea along the Turkish coast.
Greece: Rhodes GP & Tour of Rhodes
One group lined up at the Rhodes GP and Tour of Rhodes Powered by Rodos Palace. Results-wise, nothing overly headline-worthy — which may have had something to do with the fact that 4 out of 6 riders came down with food poisoning during the week. Not exactly the marginal gain we were looking for. Even without standout results, the block provided valuable race days and early-season form.
Turkey: Tour of Antalya
Meanwhile, the second squad took on the Tour of Antalya. Luke Elphinstone collected two top-10 stage finishes, while Quinn Felton climbed to 13th overall after tackling what felt like the highest climb we’ve ever raced — topping out at 3069 meters. A strong early-season result against a competitive international field.
Veteran Spotlight: Senior Chief Brandon van Baggen
After 21 years in the U.S. Navy, Senior Chief Brandon van Baggen is preparing to transition out of service, but not away from purpose. Originally from Portland, Oregon, and now based in San Diego, Brandon has spent over two decades serving as an Information Technology Senior Chief, much of that time supporting Naval Special Warfare. His role focused on communications and ensuring teams operating in some of the most demanding environments in the world stayed connected and mission-capable. For Brandon, service has always been about people. “It was about being part of a team where failure wasn’t an option, where people relied on you to get it right, and where your work directly impacted lives.” Now, as he approaches retirement, that same mindset is guiding his next chapter. A husband and father of two, Brandon is focused on setting an example for his family, showing what commitment, resilience, and service look like beyond the uniform. Cycling has become a central part of that. What started as a personal outlet has grown into something shared, with his wife riding alongside him, his daughter getting into road cycling, and his son racing BMX. Like many veterans, he’s found something deeper in the sport. “Cycling keeps me grounded, gives me structure, and reminds me that progress is built one mile at a time.” That mindset is what led him to Project Echelon. After first seeing the team race at the Armed Forces Classic, Brandon was struck not just by the performance but by how the team operated, with cohesion, communication, and purpose. When he learned about the mission behind Project Echelon, it clicked. “It wasn’t just a race team, it was a mission.” Since then, Brandon has helped bring that mission into his own team, Shockwave, which is now an ambassador team for Project Echelon, creating a deeper connection between racing and the veteran community. For Brandon, Project Echelon represents something powerful: “It’s that bridge between service and the next chapter. A community that understands the transition, provides purpose, and reminds you that you’re still part of something bigger.” As he prepares to retire, Brandon has taken on a new mission: “The Long Ride Home.” You can learn more or support the effort here: https://givebutter.com/thelongridehome
He’ll ride from his hometown of Portland, Oregon, down the Pacific Coast to Coronado, California, symbolically connecting where his journey began to where his Navy career concludes. But the ride is about more than distance. Through Project Echelon, Brandon has seen firsthand the impact that community and connection can have, especially on veteran mental health. This ride will serve as both a fundraiser and an awareness effort, with planned stops along the way to connect with veterans, communities, and supporters. His message is simple: “Veterans don’t fight alone. We ride together.” For Brandon, this isn’t the end of a career, it’s the beginning of a new chapter of service. And if anything, he’s just getting started.
What’s Next: Gila Week Baby
It’s Gila week! Back in the high-altitude desert of Silver City, New Mexico, we’re ready to go. The Tour of the Gila holds a special place in Project Echelon history. It was the site of the team’s first-ever UCI GC victory in 2024, and in 2025 we successfully defended the title. Now we’re back in Silver City with a stacked roster of riders who are fit, motivated, and fired up for a chance to make it a hat trick. From there, the season keeps rolling. We’ll head toward races like New York GP, Bloomington Cycling Classic, and a full calendar of UCI and domestic racing across North America. Fitness is building. Momentum is growing. And we’re excited to keep racing.
Stay With Us
We’ll continue sharing updates from the road — results, behind-the-scenes moments, and more stories from the people that make Project Echelon what it is.