Yes, the news is out and I am excited to announce that I will be racing with United Healthcare Pro Cycling team for 2017. Naturally the cycling social media networks have been buzzing and many people have reached out to me with curiosity about this move. Out of respect for my previous team as well as my new one I would like to provide some clarity and pure honesty. First I have to share just how much I absolutely loved my season with Orica-AIS, it was an incredible year. The girls on the team are so much more than just teammates to me, they are close friends and the relationships I built over the season are some I hope to keep forever. The staff is hands down some of the best out there and I will miss each one of them, along with the hilarious Australian (and South African) wit that had me in stitches on a daily basis. We were a family and I learned so much from everyone who was a part of the program. Unfortunately this sport is an unsteady one, team finances fluctuate, the pressure of Championship and Olympic events along with budgets being dictated by performance at such events lead to somewhat of a volatile environment and sometimes even the best teams are affected by these demands. Sadly, I was told this September that Orica-AIS had their budget cut and were forced to let go of one of their two international riders. This was devastating news as I loved the team and hadn’t contemplated leaving, however it is the nature of the sport and I don’t blame anyone involved, it was a difficult situation for everyone. I am extremely sad to leave but I want to thank every person involved in the team; management, staff, and riders, you will always hold a pretty special place in my heart.
However, I also believe that with every hard situation comes a silver lining and I believe UHC is just that. I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to race with United Healthcare in 2017. It is a program I have always had a great deal of respect for and I am very honored to join a talented list of riders on the team for next season. On UHC, I will have the support and opportunity to focus on time trialing and stage racing and I am really looking forward to using my experience to be a leader on the team. We have an incredible group of riders whose individual talents truly compliment each other and will combine to be a force in the peloton both in the US and overseas. I want to thank UHC for this opportunity, I believe 2017 is going to be a great one!
I also wanted to thank all of you for your constant support and belief in me. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful family, friends, and people passionate about the sport of cycling. I couldn’t do it without all of you and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I can’t wait to see what 2017 holds! Big dreams, big goals, and big changes! I hope to bring you all along on the adventure!
