New Zealand'S RILEY McMullen and 18・YEAR・old Canadian Annika Brunz will bring THE TOP-track TALENT TO THE 2025 regrouped roster for Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28. The class also includes a trio of Olivia Cummins, Anna Hicks and Bethany Ingram, who are seeking to strengthen their power in multiple fields.

Half of the 10-person rider roster features solid performers in VBR's 2024 campaign, led by Cuban all-rounder Marlies Mejías and Mexico's Sofia Arreola, both signed by 2028. Mejias, the 2nd-degree Pan American champion, tallied all the uci podiums from last season.This includes stage wins and 2nd place in the Tour of Hira and runner・up in the Tour de Gatineau. Areola, twice world Silver medallist on the track,

Emily Ehrlich, twice GC winner in the Valley of the Sun Stage Race, will be versatile and reliable to the team for two more seasons also, budding talent Ella Sabo under 23 and Paralympic gold medallist Jamie Whitmore will also be available from the United States. "I'm not going to let you down," he said.

Notably missing from the roster are 5-time Olympic track cycling medallist Jennifer Valente and Leadville Trail 100mtb winner Melisa Rollins. Former US Pro Road champion Emma Langley retired from the race.

"Our TEAM IS PRIMARILY FOCUSED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF American athletes, BUT PUTTING Riley ON BOARD IS a STRATEGIC ADDITION TO expanding OUR FOCUS TO INCLUDE MORE TRACK CYCLING," SAID Michael O'Keefe, FOUNDER AND GENERAL MANAGER OF Blue RIDGE TWENTY24 Pro CYCLING IN VIRGINIA. "It's a very important thing," says Nicola Cranmer, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

"Rylee brings valuable international experience and a strong work ethic that helps elevate the entire team. She is a great teammate with a great personality and is not afraid to put on the hard work necessary to succeed. Riley will also work closely with the New Zealand National Team program, which is fully consistent with our goal of supporting our players at the highest level."

In the new year, the team will race as the Blue Ridge TWENTY28, TWENTY24 professional CYCLING team in VIRGINIA, confirming its ongoing partnership with the Blue Ridge (VBR) in Virginia in 2025, with the brand name "Virginia is for mountain enthusiasts." The Virginia Department of Tourism, under Rand, took part in the event. Other key partners for 2025 include Berglund Automotive, Riverdale Roanoke, Zwift, Felt Bicycles and Cotton Sox (previously partnering with DNA Pro Cycling).

The name change from TWENTY24 to TWENTY28 is a nod to the development of talent at the elite and junior levels for the Olympics. This time, aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, will be the 20th season for the Cranmer program and the fifth Olympic Cycle. The program allowed riders to win 17 Olympic and Paralympic medals.

"Our partnership with Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge and Virginia Tourism Corporation highlights the incredible local support that makes the area a vibrant hub for cycling and outdoor recreation," Cranmer said. "The community's commitment to investing in Virginia's sporting identity will help attract world-class athletes and events and create an unforgettable experience for both competitors and fans," he said.

Last year, McMullen competed with DNA Pro Cycling, winning 2nd overall and sprint points in the American Criteria Cup series, 2nd in one stage at the Vuelta a Colombia Femenina and 3rd in the Tulsataf Omnium Competition. She also won two U.S. Criteria

tracks during Speed Week at Union City and College Park in Georgia, and her accolades include multiple medals at the Oceania Championships and a gold medal in the elimination race at the 2023 Oceania Championships. In the 2024 season, he competed in the national Championship in the Points race in New Zealand.

"This team has shown that we can win the biggest race in North America and we are excited to continue to grow with such a strong teammate," McMullen commented. "As the team enters its 20th year, I know I'm contracted to the best team in North America with a solid foundation and a proven track record in developing world-class players. I am pleased to be part of a program that values a mixed calendar between roads and tracks."

Cranmer was keen on next year's roster, she said, and the schedule of national and international competitions in the United States to "gain valuable experience and pursue excellence on the world stage"

"Annika, who is only 18 years old, is a track specialist who brings a powerful force to the team at the Criterion. Annika is a phenomenal talent with incredible potential both on the track and on the road. Her hard work, determination and adaptability are exactly what we look for in our athletes.

"Olivia Cummins is a talented all・rounder and has a bright future in stage racing. Bethany Ingram is a promising athlete with great potential, on an upward trajectory," Crammer said of the other new riders who will work well on the track.

In fact, Ingram and Cummins worked with Ehrlich and Colleen Grich to win the Women's Team Persuit Final on May 4 last year. He won gold in the Pan American Track Cycling Championship.

Former U.S. Junior Women's Time Trial national champion Hicks is highly regarded by Cranmer as a "versatile development rider" who won the SBT GRVL Blue Course at the age of 24. Signed by 2026, she was one of the invited riders to compete in the 2024 Lifetime Grand Prix, and her best finish was the 8th place Chairmegon MTB Festival.