Ian Byrd started racing in 1997 as a junior in upstate New York. In his seven year hiatus from bike racing, he has working in some of New York's finest restaurants. During his junior career he raced for, and was coached by, former Olympic coach Mike Fraysse. Career highlights include representing the US at the International Tour of l'Abitibi, 7th overall Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Race Series in 2000 as well as 5 New York State Junior Cyclocross Championships.