USA Cycling announces long team for Colorado Classic

By clippedin

USA Cycling announced Tuesday eight riders for consideration to compete on the U.S. National Team at the 2019 Colorado Classic presented by VF Corporation.

Riders include the 2019 USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Champion in the Club Division, Cara O’Neill (University of Arizona), the 2018 Collegiate Cyclocross National Champion and Road bronze medalist Samantha Runnels (Lindenwood University) and 2014 Collegiate All-Star member and 2018 Colorado Classic Champion Katie Hall.

“We are happy to have another opportunity to showcase the talent of our up-and-coming American riders like we did earlier this year at the Amgen Tour of California,” said Jeff Pierce, Director of Elite Athletics, Road and Track for USA Cycling. “USA Cycling’s Collegiate Program is a great avenue for young riders to develop and has produced great champions in the sport. We are pleased to give these athletes the opportunity to race against a talented international field in a top UCI race.”

USA Cycling Colorado Classic long team:
  • Charlotte Backus (Fort Lewis College)
  • Madeline Bemis (Milligan College)
  • Anna Christian (University of Colorado Boulder)
  • Clio Dinan (Smith College)  
  • Emma Edwards (MIT)
  • Katie Hall (UC Berkley, Collegiate Program/Collegiate All Star Alumni)
  • Cara O’Neill (University of Arizona)
  • Samantha Runnels (Lindenwood University)

“I’m so excited to be selected to race the Colorado Classic with the national team,” said Sammi Runnels, who also competed for the national team at the 2019 UCI Cyclocross World Championships. Being able to represent my country in a UCI race is such a special opportunity. When I first started riding bikes, I had no idea I’d ever make it to this level. I’m thankful to all my friends and supporters who have helped me along the way.”

The 2019 Colorado Classic, Aug. 22-25, will be the only UCI standalone women’s stage race in North America. It will include a quadrupled prize purse, team stipends, live streaming and longer, more challenging routes.

“We are proud to field a team for this year’s Colorado Classic,” said President and CEO of USA Cycling, Rob DeMartini. “The Colorado Classic’s support of Women’s cycling since its inception shows their dedication to growing the sport and we are happy to be a part of it.”