Congratulations to Sergio!

“The club is definitely a part of my life and the people will always be a part of my life. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it and it has definitely changed my life.”
~Sergio Hernandez

NOW-MS Society team member and pro rider Sergio Hernandez has signed with Jelly Belly Cycling Team Presented by Kenda. “I'm excited to ride for Jelly Belly because it’s the team I feel fits me best and I’m looking forward to being an asset to the team,” said Sergio.

The news comes just weeks after Sergio won the Elite State Criterium Championship title at Barry Wolfe Grand Prix May 30th. He’s had a very successful season beginning with a 3rd place finish at Callville Bay Classic and continuing with podium finishes at Tulsa Tough, Torrance, Devil’s Punchbowl and Ontario.

Sergio began racing in 2003 and joined NOW-MS Society the following year. As Sergio tells the story, he met one of the club’s founders while auditioning for a commercial featuring Lance Armstrong. He never got a call back but he did end up as a rider with the NOW-MS Society U25 program. Three years later he signed a pro contract with Rock Racing. During the next three years, Sergio rode in support of former Pro Tour riders, raced in Colombia, the Tour of Qinghai Lake in China and also won races of his own including the CBR BAR series overall for P/1/2 in 2009 and a win at Superweek in his first year as a pro.

Sergio signed a contract with Rock Racing for the 2010 season that was later voided when the team failed to secure a Pro Continental license. Since February, he’s been riding for NOW-MS Society, racing and mentoring the Men’s U25 team, giving back to the program that gave him his start. “I want to be able to help out the younger guys that come to the team, to help them and give them the right advice like they did with me.” said Sergio. In addition to Sergio, six other NOW-MS Society riders have secured pro contracts including one who raced with the 2008 USA Olympic Track Cycling Team in Beijing.

Sergio’s first race with Jelly Belly will be the Tour of Elk Grove July 30 – August 1 in Illinois. Good luck to you Sergio!