Kirk Gilligan
Kirk Gilligan
A.K.A.: "Troll"
Born and raised in Red Bank, NJ, Kirk Gilligan participated in various competitive sports throughout his childhood. He began cycling competitively in 1991 at the age of 17 after dusting off his father’s old 3-speed clunker. He tried to ride farther each day, until on his fifth ride he learned first hand all about the “bonk.” He found himself collapsed on the side of the road, eventually hitching a ride home with a friend who happened to be passing by in his Jeep and saw Kirk’s limp, worn out body in a heap on the grass.
He quickly learned what cycling was all about, bought a real bike, and became hooked when he enjoyed some success at the junior level. He continued to pursue the sport at the senior level, and in 1996 was invited to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Boulder, CO. At the training center, Kirk earned the right to compete for a spot on the Espoire World Championship Road Team. Although he did not earn a spot on the team, it was a valuable learning experience.
Drawing on the knowledge he gained at the Olympic Training Center, he placed 3rd in the 1997 NJ State Road Race, and in 1998 he won the NJ State Criterium championships. In the following years he placed top 5 in a number of Pro-am races on the road and at one point was ranked in the top 75 amatuer riders in the country.
During that time he also dabbled in mountain biking and achieved a few good results at the expert level. He has raced on and off for the past 15 years, and after being away from the sport of cycling for four years due to work commitments as a wildland firefighter in San Diego, he has recently obtained a position managing Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. Once again, Kirk has time to dedicate to the sport.
Sho-Air/Sonance is very fortunate to have a rider with Kirk’s experience and results. Serving as both a mentor to the newer riders and a threat to win any race he enters, Kirk’s presence will benefit both the team and its sponsors.
Velo Elite Clothing
