Admit it. Like a lot of us, you too probably ride so you can allow yourself a few more tacos, pizza, or beer. The concept of “earning your cookies” isn’t exclusive to the amateur ranks as even the pros are known to have their weaknesses. For Optum Pro KBS team rider Phil Gaimon, he is literally earning his cookies as the rider has outgrown an unhealthy, overweight childhood but still allows himself a sweet treat when his training warrants it.
As part of an initiative to promote healthy eating and an active lifestyle, Gaimon and the Optum Pro Cycling team presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies (KBS) have teamed up with UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) to create a one of a kind “milk and cookies” themed bike with the all new Diamondback Podium Equipe as the canvas. The bicycle will be raced by Gaimon at the Amgen Tour of California and then it will be donated to UHCCF for a charity aution to be held in the future…
From Diamondback/Optum Pro Cycling Team UHCCF:
Diamondback and Circuit Sport designed a one-of-a-kind “Cookie Bike” paint scheme for Optum Pro Cycling team presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies (KBS) team member Phil Gaimon that he will race at this year’s Amgen Tour of California.
Like many others, Phil was born with a sweet tooth, which led to poor health and childhood obesity. When he discovered cycling, it set him on the path to a healthy lifestyle. Phil eats a balanced diet like a professional athlete now, but he still enjoys the occasional cookie, when he earns it.
Once the bike finishes its rounds on the professional circuit with Gaimon, the Optum Pro Cycling team in partnership with Diamondback will donate it to the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) for a future charity auction, and to raise awareness of Optum p/b KBS, Diamondback and the UHCCF’s shared commitment to health and wellness.
“Our goal as a team has always been about more than just racing – we feel that bicycles are a catalyst in building a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Circuit Sport Creative Director Sam Wiebe. “We thought Phil’s story, and his serious love of cookies, was a fun, relatable way of sharing this message. We couldn’t be happier that the bike will support the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation.”
UHCCF provides grants to families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child’s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by their commercial health insurance plan. Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 per grant with a lifetime maximum of $10,000 per child to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids. To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Parents or legal guardians may apply for grants at www.UHCCF.org, and there is no application deadline.
“We are grateful that the Optum Pro Cycling team is sharing such a unique piece of equipment with UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation, and know it will be put to good use by raising money for children in need across the United States,” said UHCCF President Matt Peterson.
The paint scheme was designed by Circuit Sport’s in-house design team and hand-painted by Minnesota artist Brad Galvin. It is adorned with two sayings, “Earn your cookies” and “The more you ride, the more calories you can get away with,” referencing the team’s popular 2014 short film “Calories,” as well as the team’s Human-Powered Health mantra. It will first see action at the United States’ premier stage race, the Amgen Tour of California, which will air on the NBC Sports Network.
