The CCA was founded in 2022 by Cleveland native and longtime cycling enthusiast Robert "Polo" Fernandez. Robert began cycling when he was 10 years old and quickly fell in love with the sport. Forty-plus years later, he has never stopped. He feels very fortunate to have been introduced into competitive cycling through his father, Robert (Bob) Fernandez, who raced on the Cleveland Wheelmen from 1966 - 1977. Robert “Polo” and Bob Fernandez share a deep love for the sport of cycling. They rode together in the Assault to Mt. Mitchell in NC and the Giro Internacional from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta. Robert grew his cycling experience and skills by racing on local teams in his 20s and 30s such as Team M&Ms, Team Akron, FLP presented by Immke and Team Parillo. He then transitioned into coaching and operating successful regional teams such as Cleveland Clinic/RGF Solutions presented by Felt, and Panther/RGF Solutions. If you have been in the cycling community over the past 40 years, you have probably run into Polo. He is always positive, friendly and smiling. He believes in inclusiveness and views all cyclists as friends, no matter what team, club or skill level. Robert is forever thankful to his father, coaches, mentors, teammates and cycling friends for all the years of support, opportunities and wonderful memories. Now, he feels it's time to give back in gratitude. Robert has identified the lack of competitive youth cyclists as well as a nonprofit youth team and developmental program in the Cleveland Area. This is due to the difficulties of financially supporting, training and retaining young athletes in a sport without having a family member who is already an experienced cyclist. Robert has created this unique nonprofit program with the help of his previous and current teammates, family and friends. He hopes to give young, aspiring cyclists the essential financial resources, training, and coaching needed for success. He hopes this program will give youth cyclists the opportunity to find a life-long passion, just as he did.
The CCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cycling team and youth development program based in the Great Lakes Region.
