Welcome to the Cleveland Cycling Academy's ("CCA") GoFundMe page for the 2026 Season.

Hi, I’m Robert Fernandez, founder and one of seven Board Members, and I’m reaching out to you today to support the Cleveland Cycling Academy. This incredible organization is dedicated to empowering youth through cycling, fostering a sense of community, and promoting healthy lifestyles. By joining hands with us, you can help make a significant difference in the lives of our U-23 & U-16 teams. Again, join me in making a difference by supporting a great cause! Thanks in advance for your contribution to CCA because that means so much to us.

Your contributions will enable us to continue our mission. Here are two ways your donations will support the Academy's important work:

• Providing access to event throughout the race season to our official CCA youth team members.

• Organizing events for other cyclist to participate that teach cycling skills and promote healthy living.

• Inspire a new generation of cyclists to give back.

• Pave the wave for all our riders to be inspired to start a non-profit Academy later down the road in their life as a way to pass on the knowledge of good sportsmanship and gratitude through the Cleveland Cycling Academy!

CCA’s Mission:

To manage, financially support and continually grow a youth development program and U-23 cycling team by helping aspiring youth cyclists at national and international levels.

The Need:

Cycling is a difficult sport to start and continue financially and physically. Young competitive cyclists need a gateway into the sport, a mentor, coach, team as well as financial support for race entry fees, travel, nutrition, and lodging at races throughout the year. Young cyclists also need a quality race equipment; bicycles, (which can cost $5,000+ to $8,000+), wheels, race kits (jerseys, bib shorts, cycling shoes, helmet and misc.).

How to find out more about CCA:

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clevelandcyclingacademy

Our Website: https://clevelandcyclingacademy.org

Our Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/clevelandcyclingacademy

Our Proposed 2026 Season:

• April - Marian Midwest Cycling Classic - 1 day in Indianapolis, IN

• May - Iowa Race Series - 4 days in Burlington, Muscatine, Davenport, IA

• June - Tulsa Tough - 3 days in Tulsa, OK

• June - USA Cycling Junior Amateur Nationals - 3 days tbd

• June - Tour of America’s Dairyland (ToAD) - 10 days in Wisconsin

• June - Hyde Park Blast - 1 day in Cincinnati, OH

• July - Whiskey City Challenge - 1 day in Lawrenceburg, IN

• July - Chicago Grit - 10 days in Chicago, IL

• July - Momentum Indy: Mass Ave & Indy Crit 2 days in Indianapolis, IN

• Aug/Sept - Green Mountain Stage Race in Vermont

• Aug/Sept - Gateway Cup - 4 days in St. Louis, MO

Expected Expenses:

• Race Entree Fees: $15,000.00

• Team Race Clothing - $15,000.00

• Hotels/Lodging - $10,000.00

• Team Equipment: $10,000.00

Why:

Creating this program has been a long-time dream of mine. I'm forever grateful to my father, coaches, mentors, teammates and cycling friends for all the years of support, opportunities, and wonderful memories. Now, I feel it is my time to give back to our community in gratitude by starting this non-profit cycling academy. Again, I'm beyond excited to have an exceptionally talented and brilliant Board of Directors, Masters Team of coaches/mentors and many volunteers. They are helping navigate this program to its highest potential and will use your donations to make a significant impact on our U-23 and U-16 teams.

I sincerely thank you for your interest and your donation. Together we can give aspiring youth cyclists a start, opportunities, and the resources they need to thrive and be successful in competitive cycling!

Robert "Polo" Fernandez

Founder, President, Masters Rider, U-23 & U-16 Mentor