Tour de Pier is dear to my heart because we’re helping fight this deadly disease. But more importantly, it gives people hope to overcome, be resilient, and be more determined than they have ever been. We lose people every single day to cancer, and the Tour de Pier may help save lives.” – Rahsaan Bahati
Rahsaan Bahati is known as one of the top American criterium and track cyclists in US history. He is a 7-Time US Champion and 3-Time Manhattan Beach Grand Prix winner. He is also a prominent example of how cycling can help transcend economic hardship and offer opportunity. While growing up in Compton he benefited from a local after school program focused on exposing at-risk kids to the sport of track cycling at the Olympic Velodrome in Carson. His promise and hard work propelled him to win the USA Elite National Criterium Championships before he was 18. Indiana University then offered him a scholarship and after receiving his degree he went on to race professionally in the US and Europe winning the 2008 USPRO National Criterium Championships. To date his most important contribution is his continued commitment to “GiveBack” to his community through the Bahati Foundation. The Foundation is focused on supporting inner city youth in under served communities through inspirational speaking engagements and cycling outreach programs. The programs are designed to motivate and empower kids toward higher achievement in education, music and sports. He is a true American success story and ambassador for the sport of cycling.