I was fortunate to ride professionally on two groundbreaking teams - 7-Eleven and Coors Light - alongside many, many great riders. Coors Light was the dominant US based team of its era and superbly directed by Len Pettyjohn. But while stacked with talent, it’s difficult to quantify how successful we might’ve been in the big European races - only a few of the Coors guys were afforded the opportunity to race regularly in Europe. For that reason, I’ve built a dream team primarily from those riders of the 7-Eleven era (from when the team went professional in ’85 to ’90). I’ve also chosen to leave myself off the roster. As well, I haven’t included any of the other talented sprinters I rode with - a tough call - but having a team without a pure sprinter - but with proven winners - is still a recipe for results. Also important is team chemistry. In both cases, with 7-Eleven and Coors, what stood out was how solid the team harmony was. Pro bike racing is a tough, competitive business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and enjoy good camaraderie. In my view, team morale is a key ingredient to an individual's morale and ultimately to success, and I’ve taken that into account here as well.
Road Captain/All rounder: Steve Bauer, 7-Eleven. In our amateur days Steve and I duked it out all across the US, but following his silver medal ride in the 1984 Olympics, Steve turned pro and impressively found immediate success, scoring a bronze in the 1984 World Championship road race. He went on to wear the Yellow Jersey for numerous days at the Tour in both ’88 and ’90, won a stage (’88) and finished 4th overall in the infamous 1986 Tour de France where his then La Vie Clare teammates Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault battled each other for the win. Competitive in any and all races from the Classics - like Paris-Roubaix, where he came agonizingly close to victory, judged 2nd on the line by mere millimeters to Eddy Planckaert in the closest finish in the race’s history (1990) - to Grand Tours, Steve’s unflappably calm, confident demeanor and astute tactical sense proved invaluable as a team leader.
Climber: Andy Hampsten, 7-Eleven. During the mid - late 1980s, Andy (with due respect to Lucho Herrera and Robert Miller) was arguably the best pure climber in the world. He won the stage to Gran Paradiso during the ’85 Giro - which happened to be his first ever pro race - and never looked back. He is most well known for being the only American ever crowned Giro Champion (’88) and his win on Alpe D’Huez ('92) was simply sublime. A resilient North Dakotan (he showcased his grit, riding into the Pink Jersey, during the infamous blizzard on Gavia Pass), Andy was a hard-working, unabashedly principled teammate, who set the highest standards for personal integrity.
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All rounder: Raul Alcala, 7-Eleven. Raul was one of the most naturally talented riders I ever had the privilege to ride with. Easy going yet proud, he could do it all; from crushing TT rides, to climbing with the best (multi TdF stage and White Jersey winner), to doing the hard work at the front of a chase, Raul always stepped up. Tactically savvy, he had a feel for the races that can’t be taught. Easy to be around, with an infectious laugh and ready smile, Raul was an ace in our proverbial deck of cards.
Climber/All rounder: Mike Engleman, Coors Light. Michael came late to cycling, having been a national class runner in college. While not having the chance to race much in Europe, he nonetheless deserves a spot on this team. He was incredibly strong, showing his chops by winning or contending in nearly every major US race of note. Upbeat, articulate and intelligent, Michael was a fantastic teammate - and voracious reader - he could always be counted upon to deliver, either on the road, or simply through enlightened conversation.
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