After a hiatus of more than 16 years, Atlanta resident Andrew Knight has made a remarkable return to cycling and emerged as a national champion. Knight, who hadn’t ridden his road bike for more than five years, found his passion for cycling reignited during the COVID-19 pandemic. The local rides in Atlanta spiraled into group rides, training, and competing. Knight’s dedication and hard work paid off when he won the 2022 Gran Fondo National Championship in Asheville, North Carolina, as well as two Stars-and-Stripes jerseys in the Men’s 45-49 Time Trial and Road Race in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Knight’s cycling career was interrupted in 2005 when a crash resulted in a broken arm. He shifted his focus to his career and stopped riding altogether. However, with the pandemic grounding his extensive international business travel, Knight rediscovered his love for cycling.
“I have all this time now that I’m not on the road. And literally, that’s how it started,” Knight said.
Knight gradually immersed himself in the local cycling community, joined clubs, and participated in masters races. He also embraced the advancements in training technology that had occurred during his break from the sport.
With the 2023 Masters and Para-cycling Road National Championships taking place in his backyard of Augusta, Georgia, Knight is working hard to defend his championships and is excited to welcome riders from all over the country to experience racing in the Southeast.
“I’m super excited that Nationals are in my backyard in Augusta, Georgia. To be able to drive somewhere with two bikes versus flying is a huge win,” Knight expressed.
Though Knight acknowledges the challenges ahead, including the heat and humidity of Georgia in August, he is grateful for the support and camaraderie he has found in the Atlanta cycling scene and is looking forward to sharing the experience with riders competing in the upcoming Masters National Championships.
“The whole Atlanta cycling scene has been fantastic, from a training and racing perspective. Georgia is a great place for cycling, and I can’t wait to share it with riders who come here for Masters National Championships,” Knight concluded.
The 2023 Masters Road and Para-cycling National Championships will be held in Augusta, Georgia, from August 23-27.
