Team TIBCO professional women's cycling team added firepower to its roster by recruiting Amber Rais, Helen Kelly, Lauren Franges, Rachel Heal, Rushlee Buchanan, and Sarah Caravella to join current TIBCO racers Victoria Bastide and Brooke Miller.
Time trialist and all-around cyclist Rais has logged top GC finishes in National Racing Calendar (NRC) events and will move from Team Webcor. "Rachel Heal and Helen Kelly – top, world-class cyclists and former team-mates of Amber's – will also race for us next season," said TIBCO's director Linda Jackson. "The three have proven they work well together and will take on even more responsibilities this coming year."
Also joining the team is the young talent Rushlee Buchanan. The 19 year-old New Zealander shocked the NRC field at Nature Valley with a surprise "off the front" attack. Franges and Caravella will round out the team's sprinting power, complimenting Miller's expertise.
"I am thrilled for the upcoming season! It has been very exciting to be a part of growing this team and our roster for next season is our strongest yet," said Miller.
The team will see some management changes with Liza Rachetto making the switch from racer to Assistant Director Sportif. Rachetto will direct Team TIBCO's six-member Development Team, which will include Alison Rosenthal, Ashley Fouts, Caitlyn McCullough, Jerika Hutchinson, Kelly Crowley and Stacy Sims. Hutchinson is the reigning Junior National Time Trial Champion and a bronze-medalist in the 2007 Junior World Championship Time Trial. Crowley is the current
World Champion in the Paralympics Individual Time Trial, and has her eyes set on Gold at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. The Development Team will compete locally in Northern California and at selected NRC races with the elite squad.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
