Retiring POA Racing and team management.
David Root
Hello Cycling Community,
I’d like to introduce myself. My name is David Root and I have been Director of POA Racing (AKA Therapeutic Associates Racing Team), for the past 15 years.
Some of you know me, as I have been part of the racing community in the Pacific Northwest for the last 35 years. Others of you may not know who I am since I am very low key and try not to bring a lot of attention to myself.
In 2010, I unexpectedly ended up with the responsibility of managing this team when my dear friend and teammate, David Oliphant, tragically died suddenly from cardiac arrest immediately after finishing a PIR race.
Since no one else was willing to step in, due to grief and disbelief, I reluctantly stepped into his very large shoes to try to keep the team running. Managing and owning a cycling team was never an ambition of mine, I viewed it as a way to honor and keep the memory of David, Number 112, alive. We have proudly worn his number on our jerseys, each season, since his untimely passing. Thank you, David, for your insight, kindness and bright personality, reminding us always to keep it fun.
It’s been a wild ride over the past 15 years! I am so proud of the success this team has achieved; reaching the highest domestic elite level in the region, winning countless championships, stage races and track races.
Throughout the years we’ve had multiple riders go on to have professional careers in bike racing, supported multiple women’s teams, a successful cyclocross team (run for many years by Jeff Standish), track racing, mountain bike racing and junior development. The team had a PDX squad, a Seattle squad and a Bend squad at different times. The team has also hosted successful road races, criteriums, regional championships and participated in countless charity rides; giving back to the cycling community, providing growth and making it a better place for everyone. We even managed to keep things rolling during the pandemic with a non-sanctioned race at Haag’s Lake and promoted the “Everesting Challenge” to keep the riding/racing spirit moving.
That all being said, I’ve come to a crossroads and am closing this chapter of leadership, and retiring POA Racing Team completely.
It’s been an amazing 15 years and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It is with mixed emotions that I say farewell as a director but look forward to continuing to race and ride with the community as I always have.
I want to thank everyone in the cycling community for the support and cheering us on throughout the years. It’s been one hell of a ride.
David Root
Director
POA Racing Team
July 19, 2025