Little 500 team Cinzano rises again with Gavin Gorski

For most riders, competing in Indiana University’s Little 500 is all about the race. For Gavin Gorski, it’s a little more than that.

Gavin’s father, Mark Gorski, isn’t just a fan cheering from the pits—he’s a 1984 Olympic gold medalist in the 1000-meter match sprint. But Gavin doesn’t talk much about his father’s achievements, and it’s not something he brings up unless asked.

Gavin’s focus is firmly planted on the present. He’s a founding member of the rebirthed Cinzano team: a name with history in the Little 500. The team raced consistently from 1985 to 2007 before becoming dormant.

Restarting the team in 2023 has been an opportunity for Gavin and his teammates to build Cinzano back up with new leadership and a new culture.

After transitioning from a career in professional cycling and team management, Mark remains involved through Cinzano, supporting his son who had never raced a bike competitively before.

Before attending Indiana University, Gavin knew about the Little 500 – mentioning that his cousin raced in the event. Even with natural talent on the bike and genes for racing, Gavin, as a freshman, decided the event wasn’t for him.

“Gavin and I talked a little bit about Little 500,” roommate Conner Wright said. “But we both decided that we didn’t have time and did other things. Then we went to the race in 2022; I said that I’d never race, but Gavin was hooked.”

Gavin alluded the sudden inspiration to one of his friends, who took up Little 500 with no prior experience of riding bikes.

When asked about the legacy he wants to leave with the Cinzano team after his final year of racing, he didn’t point to his own achievements. Gavin’s focus is on the team itself and the foundation he and his teammates have built for the last three seasons. “It would be really cool to come back in 10, 15, 20 years and Cinzano is still riding in the Little 5 – and hopefully winning,” Gavin said.

Cinzano has a strong team in its third season back, achieving solid results in the Little 500 Fall Series race events. With only a few months until that “one day in April,” Gavin, his dad, and fellow team members have a chance at cementing the Cinzano as a contender once again.