MICHAEL

“Joining Hagens Berman Axeon was more than just about racing bikes,” said Michael. “I am excited to be a part of an incredible group of guys that care about more than just the result over the line.”

The 19-year-old from Decatur, Georgia was the third rider to leave the junior ranks for Axeon in 2020 after a successful beginning at LUX Development Cycling Team. In addition to the general classification win at L’Abitibi in 2019 (where he won stage 1 as well as stage 3’s ITT), he won the Cat 1/2 GC at Tour of the Gila and was 1st place at Tour of the Southern Highlands JR. Garrison earned 4th place finishes at Junior Paris Roubaix and SPIE Internationale Juniorendriedaagse (GC). He is clearly following in the footsteps of brother Ian Garrison (who at the end of last season departed for World Tour team Deceuninck–Quick-Step), showing early on that he has great ability in the time trial and placed 3rd at Amateur Nationals. He ended the 2019 season with 12th and 17th place finishes at the Junior World Championships in the road race and time trial (respectively).

Unfortunately, like many others, his 2020 season was marred by the Covid-19 pandemic. “For this season, I’m looking forward to building a better version of myself, making others happy, seeing start lines, finish lines, travel, and experiencing new people and places,” he said. “AKA EVERYTHING.” Further, Michael is hoping to improve on two main aspects in 2021: mindfulness and presence.

Michael considers himself an all-around rider, but clearly excels in the time trial. “My biggest strength is that of my aerobic side for sure,” said Michael. “I also feel like one of my greatest strengths is the ability to think in the heat of the races. I tend to overthink things which can sometimes be a bit problematic and I hope to continue to improve on that balance.”

• Current City: Decatur, GA
• Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, working on the Dutch.
• Favorite City: Atlanta
• Favorite Food: Oats
• Favorite Film: Forrest Gump
• Favorite Flavor of Honey Stinger: Almond Butter Cracker Bar
• Book or Album listening to right now: A Promised Land - Barack Obama
• Race you’d like to win someday: Strade Bianche
• Interesting fact about you: Two fake front teeth
• Are hotdogs a sandwich or a taco? Hotdogs are a taco.