Taylor Phinney Rides For Tyler Blick
Photo Credit: Bill Freeman
In 1996, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer that spread to his abdomen and lungs. Despite the life-altering diagnosis, Armstrong defeated the disease making a complete recovery. Above all, he credits his comeback in large part to a core group of friends and family. Among his closest supporters was one sponsor in particular – Oakley. Oakley stood beside him through the difficult months getting back on the bike and down the long road ahead.
Behind Oakley’s support and innovation is Steve Blick. Over the past ten years, Blick has served as not only the sports marketing manager for mountain biking and cycling sports, but also a close friend and advocate to the athletes he represents.
Today, Taylor Phinney, one of those friends and athletes, makes his professional debut with Team RadioShack at the Tour of Denmark. Although an exciting achievement for the 20-year-old world champion, Phinney has something far more significant on his mind…and on his bike.
Across his Trek frame reads a sticker…”I Ride For Tyler Blick.” Phinney is dedicating his first race with Team RadioShack to the entire Blick family as they face a cancer diagnosis that hit very close to home. On July 13, 2010, Steve and Jen Blick’s four-year-old son Tyler was diagnosed with leukemia.
“Tyler is doing well with his treatments and winning the battle but it's going to be a long process,” shares Steve.
On the road ahead, Taylor Phinney, friends and supporters alike will be beside Tyler, just as Oakley and Blick have been there time and time again for us. From an immediate phone call from Lance Armstrong in the middle of the night at the Tour de France to Mark Cavendish dedicating his Stage 20 win on the Champs Elysees to Tyler to Phinney riding for the young survivor at the Tour of Denmark…A very motivated group of athletes from all backgrounds lend support to the Blick family as Tyler takes on one enemy we all have in common – cancer.
In the words of Steve Blick – “you never lose until you give up.” We’re united with Tyler in his fight – and we’re going to win. Wishing him continued courage and strength, Taylor Phinney rides for Tyler Blick, a constant supporter and above all else, his very special little friend.
Who do you ride for?
Four-year-old cancer fighter Tyler Blick, son of Oakley's Steve Blick.
Photo Credit: Bill Freeman
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