Helen’s Cycles, regionally known for supporting women’s racing and cycling, is excited for the 2012 season. This will be the 19th year that Jay Wolff of Helen’s Cycles has supported an elite women’s team. The program will continue to carry the torch of women’s cycling with a two-pronged approach that has been successful in the past. Suzanne Sonye is at the helm of the Elite Team and Stella Tong will be running the Development Team which is in it’s second year.
The Helen’s Cycles Women’s Elite Team has seen race success over the past two decades. Including winning prestigious local events and on up to national caliber events such as stages at the Redlands Bicycle Classic. Team captain Suzanne Sonye is excited to continue the winning tradition this season. “My goal for the Elite team is to help rider’s achieve their personal goals as well as teach the them how to race at a high level. I want to help those who dream of moving onto the pro ranks learn how to be a professional cyclist both physically and mentally,” Sonye stated. The team supports rider’s who would like to do more NRC racing and help them with the tactics and mental attitude it takes to get there. “I have been very fortunate to have learned how to race from the best in the world. Ina Teutenburg, Judith Arndt, Clara Hughes, and Anna Wilson taught me about the importance of the team as a whole and that it won’t be easy reaching goals,” says Sonye. With the lessons Sonye has learned through her racing career, she hopes to instill the passion of bike racing in the riders as they focus on teamwork and the overall satisfaction of the ‘team’ win.
The 2012 roster contains a unique combination of veteran professional riders and developing talent which will create an excellent mentoring environment. Returning riders include Suzanne Sonye, Sarah Mattes, and Michelle Ignash. New recruits to the program are Shelby Reynolds (former Sugar Cycles rider), Joy McCulloch (former Team Redlands rider), Julie Riccardi, Cynthia Maree, and Brenda Lyons (former Team Lipton rider). Maria Lechuga and Dara Rogers will be racing with the team on a part time basis.
The other prong of the team is off to a great start already. The Helen’s Cycles Development Cycling Program recently spent a weekend on the Central Coast for a training camp and team bonding. “As a development team, our mission is to represent Helen’s Cycles and the sport of women’s racing in a very friendly and supportive manner. We want to encourage women to come out and enjoy racing their bikes. Many of our development riders come from a background in triathlon, mountain biking, and adventure racing”. Stella Tong states.
The Development team includes the following riders: Autumn Cisernos, Carina Schulze, Christine Reilly, Dara Richman, Erin Lamb, Gricelda Gamboa, Emily Georgeson, Kristy Morrow, Liza Dunham, Stella Tong, Tiffany Meyers.
Team Sponsors: Helen’s Cycles, Cannondale, Shimano, Wasserman Media Group, Santa Monica Orthopaedic And Sports Medicine Group, Oakley, Giro, Hillstone Restaurant Group (Bandera, Gulfstream, Houston’s, South Beverly Grill), Capo, Function Drinks, Village School Summer Camp, Park Lane Sports Investment Banking
