Previous teams:

Hot Tubes Development Junior Team
The Miller School of Albemarle
VC Cascade

2023 is my ________ season on Aevolo:

Fourth

Earliest memory of riding a bicycle:

Not too long after I got my first proper bike, I remember following my older brothers to ride down the steep hill in our neighborhood. It felt like a mountain to me, and the gravel was just loose enough to make it nerve racking. We'd try to gain as much speed as we could, and slam the brakes to see who could skid the furthest. 

First race:

My first race was the state time trial, held in my small town. I had only recently been introduced to road racing, but put a couple weeks of riding in with my Dad. There were only a few other riders in my category, but I remember being nervous and excited- especially after the race as we waited for the official times. I won the day and felt elated, and wanted more from there. 

Favorite race in the USA:

I've only raced it once, but I remember the Killington Stage Race as a gritty but enjoyable challenge. The circuit race on the first day is fast, but a determined break can still roll. The road race is punchy and arduous, and the pack is slowly whittled down, but it's not always just pure climbers that remain. The 10 mile time trial on the final day stings, but is a nice change from the typical American stage race layout. 

Favorite race in the world:

Although it's not returning for 2023, my favorite race I've ever done is Tour de Normandie. The seven stages didn't vary all too much, but the speed was always on. I felt like I learned so much each day and enjoyed putting it into practice as the pack slowly dwindled. 

Favorite training route:

I don't have a specific route, but piecing together routes on the gravel roads in the hills and mountains around my hometown has to be my favorite. I find it exciting to stitch sections together based on my workout, and hardly see a car with some of the best views in the world. 

Best piece of Aevolo team equipment or apparel ? Tell us why.

Shimano Dura-Ace race wheels. Our bikes always feel clean and fast, but there's a feeling that's so tangible when it comes to riding the deep dish Shimano Wheels. They roll so smoothly- it feels a bit like gliding, and the snappy, responsive agility is unmatched. It's an extra bit of confidence for racing. 

What is the biggest lesson you have had in cycling that you would share with an up and coming rider?

As a junior, I let myself become absorbed and defined by the metrics used in the cycling world. Whilst this is unhealthy to begin with- power numbers, weight, and training hours are such fickle measuring sticks for riders who are developing at different rates. I'd encourage younger riders to not get caught up in any of this, but rather have ample fun and work hard to find reward. 

I want to be on Aevolo because:

I believe Aevolo is the best platform for young Americans to develop as entire individuals and realize professional dreams. We get to do some of the biggest races in Europe, but the pressure around racing is still so well balanced. The staff's level of care for the riders is unmatched, and the strong team bonds are immensely rewarding for racing and for life. 

One of my goals I hope to achieve in cycling during my time on Aevolo is:

It would mean the most to me to help the team get a standout victory in Europe. We've been fighting hard at races across the pond for a couple years, and I'd love to show that we're there to win. I'd love to be able to graduate the program with that accomplished. 

Something I find important outside of cycling is:

Keeping up on family time. It's a bit tougher now that we're all spread out, but I try to make the most of the time when we're all home or keep in good contact when we're away. I count myself very lucky, because I genuinely love their company and friendship, and they inspire me so much on and off the bike.