A Legacy of Olympic Dreams and Vision for the Future
This year marks a monumental milestone for Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28, celebrating two decades of excellence in cycling. As the team steps into the 2025 season, they are not only honoring the team’s rich history but also looking forward to an exciting future grounded in development, growth, and impact.
Introducing TWENTY28
With 2024 being an Olympic year, the team is proud to announce the team’s new name, TWENTY28, which reflects our continued focus on the Olympic Games, with an eye toward the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. From TWENTY12 to TWENTY16, TWENTY20, TWENTY24, and now TWENTY28, this name has become synonymous with the team’s unwavering commitment to athlete development and the pursuit of Olympic dreams.
The year 2028 will be a significant milestone in the cycling world, and TWENTY28 serves as a constant reminder of our focus on that long-term goal. In honor of the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, this year’s team apparel will feature a splash of color inspired by the first LA 2028 Olympic logo.
2025 Goals and Vision
The team’s mission for 2025 is simple: to expand our support for athletes and continue fostering a global presence in competitive cycling. This year, we’re excited to see athletes representing several national teams, further reinforcing our international impact:
- USA Cycling (9 athletes: 5 Professionals, 5 Juniors)
- Cycling Canada (1 athlete)
- New Zealand Cycling (1 athlete)
- Cuba Cycling Federation (1 athlete)
- Mexico Cycling Federation (1 athlete)
This international representation strengthens our commitment to developing talent globally, ensuring that we remain a key pipeline for U.S. Olympic and World Championship hopefuls.
Professional UCI Team
- Sofia Arreola (MEX)
- Anika Brant (CAN) – U23
- Olivia Cummins (USA) – U23
- Emily Ehrlich (USA)
- Anna Hicks (USA)
- Bethany Ingram (USA)
- Marlies Mejias (CUB)
- Rylee McMullen
- Ella Sabo (USA) – U23
Junior Team
- Bridget Ciambotti (USA)
- Emma Jimenez Palos (USA)
- Landrie McLain (USA)
- Lilly Nguyen (USA)
- Ana Regina Morales (USA/MEX)
Investing in Virginia’s Growth: A Focus on Local Impact
As Virginia remains central to the team’s mission, 2025 will be a year of strengthening roots in the region. The team will participate in several Virginia-based races, including exciting new events like the Tour of Newport News, along with fan-favorites such as the Armed Forces Cycling Classic. By supporting these events, the team aim’s to nurture the local cycling community, grow the sport, and provide more opportunities for athletes to race closer to home in Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR).
Virginia’s Blue Ridge is more than just a race destination—it’s become a home for many members. Team members, including team director Shelley Olds and sprinter Marlies Mejias, have chosen to make VBR their home. This speaks volumes about the region’s vibrant outdoor culture and welcoming community. Additionally, the junior development program athletes now attend Roanoke College, further solidifying our commitment to providing both educational and athletic opportunities in the region.
Looking ahead, the team is excited to announce plans to build a sports performance annex in Roanoke. This facility will become a hub for cycling-specific training, featuring a Zwift studio, community engagement initiatives, and comprehensive athlete testing for all sports. The annex will help establish Virginia’s Blue Ridge as a premier destination for sports excellence and will enhance our ability to support athletes across disciplines.
Back to the Team’s Roots — The Velodrome
As the team celebrates 20 years of success, they are reconnecting with the sport’s foundational roots in track cycling. Seven of our professional riders have competed at the highest international levels, showcasing their skills and dedication. This renewed focus on track racing highlights our commitment to developing athletes in multiple cycling disciplines.
Though Virginia currently lacks a dedicated velodrome, the team is finding innovative solutions. The team is utilizing the 605m banked race car track at Franklin County Speedway for track training, exemplifying their creative approach to maximizing available resources. While they hope that one day the Virginia’s Blue Ridge region will have its own velodrome, the team’s commitment to excellence drives them to adapt and grow.
Looking Ahead with Purpose: Celebrating 20 Years and Building the Future
The 2025 season is not just about racing; it’s about celebrating the journey of this team and its rich legacy. Throughout the year, they will share stories, interviews, and reflections to commemorate our 20th anniversary and continue our mission of building pathways for the next generation of cyclists.
By focusing on athlete development, community impact, and international representation, Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 is poised for another successful year in its 20th season and beyond.
