DEREK WILFORD
Managing Director Product Purchase, Mentor, Masters Rider
Derek Wilford is a lifelong cyclist and elite masters racer
with more than two decades of competition across nearly every discipline—gravel,
road, MTB, cyclocross, criterium, track, and time trial. A true all-around
athlete, Derek has raced on three continents, qualified for multiple UCI World
Championships, and consistently delivered podium performances at state,
national, and international events.
Derek combines relentless work ethic with deep mechanical
knowledge and strategic race execution. His career includes top-five finishes
at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, multiple USA Senior Games
podiums, state championship titles in road, cyclocross, and time trial, and
standout performances at iconic events such as Barry-Roubaix,
Paris-Ancaster, BIG Sugar and Iceman Cometh. He continues to compete at the
highest level in masters racing, earning qualification for world championship
events across multiple disciplines.
Beyond racing, Derek is deeply invested in growing the
sport. A respected team leader, ride guide, and brand ambassador, he has
represented companies including Michelin and BMC. Off the bike, he brings
decades of professional experience in technology and operations, along with
hands-on work as a service technician and bike mechanic—making him as
technically sharp as he is competitively driven.
For Derek, cycling is more than competition—it’s a way to
connect, inspire, and elevate others. Whether battling for podiums, mentoring
fellow riders, or representing his team on the world stage, he brings passion,
precision, and professionalism to every start line.
He is proud to be part of Cleveland Cycling Academy for its
commitment to athlete development, community, and doing things the right way
while helping grow the sport and inspire the next generation of riders.
2025 Race Results
• 2nd Place AG 65–69 – Paris to Ancaster UCI Gravel World Championship
Qualifier, Ancaster, Ontario, Canada (Qualified for Worlds)
• 1st Place AG 65–69 – Cheaha Challenge UCI Time Trial World
Championship Qualifier, Jacksonville, Alabama (Qualified for Worlds)
• 4th Place AG 65–69 – Cheaha Challenge UCI Gran Fondo Road Race
Qualifier, Jacksonville, Alabama (Wildcard for Worlds)
2024 Race Results
• 23rd Place AG 65–69 – UCI Gravel World Championships, Leuven, Belgium
• 2nd Place AG 65–69 – Highlands Gravel Classic UCI Gravel World
Championship Qualifier, Goshen, Arkansas (Qualified for Worlds)