Biography:
Leaving the training wheels behind at age four, Eric set off to begin his cycling career. After exploring the trails and streets around his home, Eric joined the Youth Cycling League and began racing against other young cyclists. Soon it was apparent that Eric had a promising future in the sport. At age eight, Eric forced Allison Dunlap to sprint to regain her parade lap leadership position during a youth mountain bike race in Minnesota. After building confidence and speed on the local scene, Eric wanted to further challenge himself by competing at the national level. Finishing strong at his first national championship in California, Eric confirmed his ability to perform well within the elite ranks of American cycling. Today he continues to strive towards his cycling goals at Lees McRae College, where he anticipates the fall collegiate season and dreams of qualifying for the US World’s team in 2010.

Goals:
1) Win Collegiate Cyclocross D1 National Championship
2) Win U23 Cyclocross National Championship
3) Win Collegiate MTB D1 Short Track National Championship
4) Secure berth to US World's Team to compete at 2011 UCI Cyclocross U23 World Championships

Selected Results:
2010
Member, Lees McRae College National Road Team (2nd place, Division 1 Omnium)
Recipient, Lees McRae College Cycling Team Coaches Award for 2009-2010 school year
In breakaway last 11 laps (last three laps solo) in Collegiate D1 Criterium National Championship (article)
5th place, Elite, Freewheel Frolic mtb race, Inver Grove Heights, MN (results)

2009
5th place, Collegiate National Cyclocross Championships
11th place, U23 National Cyclocross Championships
5th place, Elite, North Carolina Grand Prix (UCI C2 cyclocross)
8th place, Short Track Collegiate National MTB Championships
Conference Cycling Champion, Southeastern Collegiate Cycling Conference
Recipient, Lees McRae College Cycling Team MVP award for 2008-2009 school year
Member, Lees McRae College National Road Team (2nd place, Division 1)
4th place, Pro 1, 2, Spring Training Series, Greenvile, SC (results)
1st place, University of Georgia Criterium, Mens A (Cat 1, 2)
1st place, Pro 1, 2, Sprung Forward Criterium, Rutledge, TN (results)

2008
Awarded stars and stripes jersey as member of Lees-McRae national champion collegiate cyclocross team
3rd place, Collegiate National Cyclocross Championships
8th place, U23 National Cyclocross Championships
2nd place, U23 Bay State Cyclocross, Verge New England Championship Cyclocross Series
5th place, U23 Gloucester Grand Prix of Cylcocross, USGP of Cylocross
Awarded stars and stripes jersey as member of Lees-McRae national champion collegiate road team
2nd place, Duluth Classic Stage Race, Pro 1,2 (http://www.duluth-classic.com)
2nd place, Sea Otter Classic Short Track, Semi-Pro (http://www.seaotterclassic.com)

2007
National Champion, USA Cycling National MTB Championships, Junior 17/18 Short Track
Awarded stars and stripes jersey as member of Lees-McRae national champion collegiate cyclocross team
State Champion, North Carolina State Cyclocross Championships, Pro 1, 2
6th place, USA Cycling National Collegiate Championships, Division 1 Cyclocross
7th place, USA Cycling National Collegiate Championships, Division 1 MTB, Short Track
Champion, Minnesota State Championship MTB Series, Junior Expert

2006
2nd place, USA Cycling National MTB Championships, Junior 17/18 Short Track
5th place, USA Cycling National Championships, Junior 17/18 Cross Country
10th place, USA Cycling National Championships, Junior 17/18 Cyclocross
Champion, Ore to Shore Soft Rock, Michigan (http://www.oretoshore.com)
2nd Place, Chequamegon Short and Fat, Wisconsin (http://www.cheqfattire.com)
Champion, Minnesota State Championship MTB Series, Junior Expert

Miscellaneous Accomplishments:
Awarded cycling and academic scholarships to attend Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina
Dean's List sophomore and junior years, Lees McRae College, Banner Elk, NC
Academic award, sophomore, junior and senior years, Mounds View High School, Arden Hills, MN
Captain, Mounds View Nordic ski team, junior and senior years
Recipient, Mounds View "Most Valuable Skier" award, junior and senior years
Member, Midwest Junior Olympic Ski team

Equipment:
Mountain bike: Salsa Mamasita 29, Sram XX
Cross bike: Bianchi Cross Concept, Dura-Ace
Road bike: Cervélo Soloist Carbon, Dura-Ace
Shoes: Road - Sidi Genius 6.6 Carbon; mountain - Mavic Fury carbon
Helmet: Bell Volt

Sponsors:
Maplelag
Paramount Sports
Skijor Now
sponsor page

A note to potential sponsors from Eric:
Thank you for visiting my site.  If honored with your support, I pledge to represent your company in the highest professional manner at all times.  I am committed to competing fairly, and promise to never take performance enhancing drugs.  I understand that sponsorship is an investment on your part, and I will do my best to exceed your expectations and enhance your brand image.  Please let me know how I can help your company benefit from our relationship. 
Sincerely, Eric

Contact information:
ethomps07@yahoo.com
(651) 231-1554 (cell)
P.O. Box 3421
191 Main Street
Banner Elk, NC 28604

Please note that my summer address is as follows:
(May 20th- August 20th)
4730 Lorinda Drive
Shoreview, MN 55126