American junior standout Katie Kruse (open in new tab) has signed with Rally Cycling (open in new tab) for the 2021 season with the goal of competing in road events in North America and Europe.

The young 19-year-old has won 31 US national titles in cyclocross, road, and mountain bike disciplines.

Kraus joins from the DNA Pro Cycling team based near her hometown of Park City, Utah, where DNA Pro Cycling had recently renewed contracts with all riders for 2021 to show support for the lack of domestic racing due to the coronavirus.

The move to Rally Cycling gave Kraus the opportunity to gain experience in European racing.

"I've been with DNA for probably five years, and I've done a lot of guest rides; I've had a long relationship with DNA, and I appreciate all of that," Kraus told Cycling News. [Everything is still uncertain in the U.S., and racing in Europe is a bit more certain.

Klaus is an experienced bike rider, but has much to learn, including what disciplines best suit her talent. Performance director Jonas Kearney approached her in early 2020 about switching to rallying.

"I felt I was ready to move to a bigger team and compete in bigger races. Rally cycling has a big presence in Europe and I am excited to take the next step in my career," Krause said.

"European one-day races are my absolute favorite kind of racing. My cyclocross background really comes in handy in races with short, punchy climbs over mixed terrain. I can't wait to go with the team."

Klaus has raced several times in Europe with the US National Team, finishing fifth in the 2019 Junior Nations Cup race at Gent-Wevelgem and sixth at Trofeo Binda.

Kraus plans to compete in elite events in 2021.

"I am very motivated to help win big races against the best competition in the world. I believe that helping my teammates win in Europe will make me a stronger and better bike racer," she said of her debut season at the elite level.

Kraus said Larry will be able to focus on his racing block in Europe and continue his life in Colorado, where he is a sophomore studying exercise science at Colorado Mesa University.

"I think what I miss the most is traveling. I've been traveling all my life. Last year Cross was on a plane every Monday and Friday. It's been really different not having to travel for the last eight months. I'm really looking forward to getting back to Europe and getting a taste of the racing atmosphere. It's been a long time."

The spring race will be his first opportunity to represent Rally Cycling, and he will be fully recovered and ready to join his new teammates at their first training camp in Oxnard, California, in two months.

"I dislocated it last winter when I competed in the World Cup of cyclocross in Europe. Then about two months ago I was mountain biking and I fell and went over a bar and dislocated it again. That's what caused the laceration," Kraus said, and he will have to wear a sling for another three to four weeks.

"I should be back on the bike by mid to late December. I'm doing a lot of gym stuff right now. The trainer work doesn't compare to riding outside."[33] [34] "I was thinking of heading to Europe in February or March because there are some early spring classics, but it all depends on COVID in the spring. I'm going to do a couple of race blocks in Europe and then some races in the US.

In October, Rally Cycling announced that it had renewed its key partners, digital health company Rally Health and Minneapolis-based sports management firm Circuit Sports. The organization, which has both men's and women's programs, will announce several new riders within the next week and will consist of 10 women.

"I like all of the girls. Personally, I know Lee Ann (Ganzer) well and Emma White was on the cyclocross team a few years ago before she switched to track. Emma has always been my role model, both in cyclocross and on the road. And Lilly (Williams) is also great," Kraus added.

"I haven't spoken to them directly, but I've been interacting with everyone since I found out I was joining the team. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone. The girls are great."