Cycling Pro Road & Mtb

Theresa Cliff-Ryan signs with Colavita/Forno d’Asolo Pro Cycling Team

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Parent Category: Cycling Pro Road & Mtb

Category: News 2010

Published on Tuesday, 02 November 2010 10:54

Written by Luca Salvatelli

Theresa Cliff-Ryan, among the top 10 riders in the US women’s peloton, is returning to Colavita USA’s pro cycling franchise for a second season. She will join NRC Champion Cath Cheatley and road World Champion Giorgia Bronzini to lead the newly-formed Colavita/Forno D’Asolo Pro Cycling Team. Directeur Sportif Rachel Heal made the announcement.

"I’m really excited to be returning to race for Colavita," said Cliff-Ryan. "I believe its one of the best professional programs around. John Profaci and his team create an environment for athletes that breeds success and I know we can continue that success this coming year."

A former champion in-line speed skater, Cliff-Ryan used her powerful sprint to capture numerous victories in 2010. She opened the season winning the criterium at the Redlands Bicycle Classic and went on to capture the overall title at the USA Crits Speedweek Series. Other notable victories include her second win at the Tour of Somerville, the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational, and the Glencoe Grand Prix.

Cliff-Ryan also proved a formidable competitor in road races. She finished third at the TD Bank Philadelphia International Championship Women’s Liberty Classic and fifth at the US National Road Championships. In addition, Cliff-Ryan was tapped throughout the season to ride with the US National Team in international events. At the Giro Donne, she contributed to the three stage victories and strong results that established Mara Abbott as the first American winner of the 10-stage event.

Other riders returning for 2011 include New Zealand Road Champion Rushlee Buchanan, Kelly Benjamin, Andrea Dvorak, Heather Logan-Sprenger, and Modesta Vzesniauskaite. Colavita/Forno D’Asolo’s final roster and preliminary racing schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

Photo credit: Bill Brunner