DNA Pro Cycling Update
The squad went straight to UCI 2.1 Tour of the Gila after a successful Redlands Bicycle Classic. Gila was a tough one for the team. We sent Erica Clevenger (Team Captain, winner Stage 5 Redlands) home after Stage 2 due to fatigue likely caused by crashes at Boulder Roubaix & again at the Redlands Crit. Then Maggie Coles-Lyster abandoned the race due to concussion after an early crash at Stage 4 Crit (she won the points leader jersey at Stage 1). Diana Peñuela had a few crashes at the same crit injuring her hand making the final stage – the Gila Monster – an even bigger challenge. We did end with a positive however, as Anet Barrera secured the Best Young Rider Jersey (from Stage 2-5) age & multiple riders finished in the top 10 for GC.
The second and final UCI stage race in North America was the Joe Martin Stage Race. We went into this race with the goal to win stages and raced hard every day to get there. We raced well throughout despite a frustrating Stage 1, finishing 2nd and 4th at Stage 2 and then on the final day we won with Maggie Coles-Lyster outsprinting Skyler Schneider (LegionLA) at Stage 4. The whole team contributed to this win and our team represented our sponsors on GCN+. Definitely watch the race if you have time.
Mia Manganello-Kilburg and Kimberly Lucie raced the last two days of Speed Week including Athens Twilight. Mia was 7th and 5th at the criteriums. Meanwhile in the Pacific Northwest and on gravel, Brenna Wrye-Simpson finished 2nd overall at the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder coming in 2nd at the TT, 2nd in Stage 2 and 3rd in Stage 3. This was Brenna’s first gravel stage race and not only did she rock it, she loved it. Lastly Kira Payer won the 50th Annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic women’s pro road race from Durango to Silverton beating Sarah Sturm and team alum Katie Clouse.
Our team moves onto a block of criterium races with Armed Forces Cycling Classic this coming week. Fun fact – Maggie is the defending champion of this race. Tulsa Tough and Harlem Skyscraper criteriums, both part of the American Criterium Cup series races, follow before our riders head to the US, Canada and Mexico Pro Road National Championships at the end of the month.
We are excited to let you know that our team has been invited to race at the Vuelta de Colombia Feminina in August and the Tour Cycliste Feminin International de L’Ardeches in September.