Gavin Chilcott has been active in the bicycle racing community since 1977. He was named to the Junior Men's National Team in 1979 and 1980, and the Senior Men's National Long Team in 1981. He was among the forerunners of Americans to ride among the professionals in Europe, turning pro for Italy's Selle Italia-Chinol team in 1982. During his six years as a professional, he also became the first pro mountain bike racer and was instrumental in developing a professional venue in off road racing. In the June 2, 2003 issue of Velo News, Gavin was described as a pioneer of American professional cycling.