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Mark Waite, a two-time US National cycling champion and US Olympic member, has founded Cycling CEO to provide services and tech solutions to corporations, an increasing number of which recognise the benefits of cycle commuting and social cycling.
In a video for a start-up campaign on community-funding website Indiegogo, Waite is quick to get in the reference that "cycling is the new golf."
Waite is a West Point graduate and has 15 years experience in the technology sector. Cycling CEO aims to deliver online corporate fitness programs and team building via a Corporate Cycling Concierge service. There’s also a networking service to bring together corporate types who cycle.
Waite said: "Golf has traditionally been the business networking activity of choice as a way to advance and close business deals, whether on the fairway or over drinks in the clubhouse. However, with an increasing emphasis on living an active, healthy lifestyle, cycling is quickly becoming the executive’s preferred alternative to golf."
Bosses on bikes are also more likely to spread the many benefits of cycling to their employees.
"My desire is to leverage the benefits of cycling to help create a healthier planet," said Waite.
"Cyclists, on average, take 15 percent fewer days off from work for illness than non-cyclists, and generally accomplish more work. There’s nothing like riding to stimulate circulation, relieve stress, allow creative thought and establish a positive attitude toward oneself and one’s environment.
He added: "Cycling is fun. In addition to health benefits, it creates a strong sense of camaraderie and creates a more productive workforce. And it is a great way for companies and their employees to get active in their community."
Waite is seeking $80,000 in funding on Indiegogo.com. One of the campaign’s rewards is a copy of Waite’s new book, ‘From the Boardroom to the Bike, Building Corporate Muscle One Stroke at a Time.’
