Strava, the company behind popular GPS tracking app for cyclers and runners, raised $18.5 million to reach more athletes. Perhaps more important, the company is looking to expand its service beyond fitness tracking, and launch a Facebook-like service for athletes.

“Strava is building tomorrow’s sporting network in the manner that Facebook and LinkedIn have developed today’s social and professional networks,” said Michael Moritz, chairman of Sequoia Capital, one of Strava’s investors, in a press release.

On the other hand, the plan is to expand to other countries. Right now, Strava’s service is available in 11 different languages, with additional languages coming in the (near) future. What’s more, the idea is to take a more local approach to bring athletes together regionally.

The company has recently launched Strava Metro, a database of preferred running and cycling routes based on user information.

Strava has raised $34.6 million in funding to date. Sequoia Capital led this most recent round with participation of existing investors, including Madrone Capital Partners and Sigma West.

[Via: VentureBeat]