The Amy D Foundation fielded a composite team at the Tour of the Gila stage race in New Mexico from April 19th-23rd. The team consisted of 6 riders and was assisted by DS Katheryn Curi and mechanic Steve Donovan, and so many more! Some of our riders were veterans to stage racing, and some were just getting a chance to test their legs at this high level of competition. Check out rider bios below!
Julie Emmerman
Years racing: 5 years pro mtb and cx, followed by 9 years road
Primary discipline: Road
Definitely seasoned rider but always learning
Cycling strength: TT
How I got into cycling: During grad school I got a Specialized Rock Hopper and rode it up and down the Chicago lakefront before moving to Boulder. Once I hit the trails and met amazing people in my new mtn bike community, I knew I was home.
I knew Amy (Dombrowski) and was definitely impacted by her death. When the opportunity presented to be involved and help develop others on behalf of her name, memory and spirit, I was very excited.
I love this race: It has all the elements of a hard challenging race experience.
When not racing, I am either training, working, eating or spending time with my spouse and dog.
I prefer riding with a team!
I hope some of my take aways are passing on knowledge to others both on and off the bike, and gaining experience in a leadership role.
Aliya Traficante
Age: 19
Occupation/area of study: Majoring in Journalism
Years racing: 7
Primary race discipline: Road
Do you consider yourself a developing rider or a seasoned rider: A little of both. I have been racing for a long time, but racing at the PRT level is a whole other ball game and there is still so much to learn!
Cycling Strength: All-arounder
How you got into cycling or what you like best about cycling: My Step Dad introduced me to the sport after I decided to take some time off of barrel racing/Gymkhana’s. At first I was not too interested, but as the summer went on, I fell in love with how challenging the sport was. To this day, that is still my favorite aspect of cycling. No matter what level you reach in the sport, it never gets easy!
How you came to ride with the program? I was staying with Amber Pierce at the Homestretch Foundation and she put me in contact with Michael.
how you picked this race? Experiencing as much of the PRT circuit this year was a goal of mine, so naturally that included racing Gila!
What do you do when you are not racing? I am a college student so I have plenty of homework to do. I am also interning at Freeplay magazine, a women’s endurance sport magazine, which means I do a lot of writing as well! When I’m at home (and mostly in the off-season), I like spend time with my horse, hike, ski, and kayak.
Do you normally ride for a team or as a solo rider? I ride for Folsom Bike/Trek.
What are you looking to take away from this time with the team? I have guest ridden with many teams, and always walk away with great memories and new friends! I am looking forward to this as well as further developing my skills and experience at the PRT level; working with the Amy D Foundation under a director such Katheryn Curi will be a great learning experience! •
Andrea Printy Thomas
Age: 31
Occupation/area of study: K-12 Music Teacher
Years racing: 4
Primary race discipline: Road
Do you consider yourself a developing rider or a seasoned rider: Always developing
Cycling Strength: Endurance
How did you get into cycling or what do you like best about cycling: Team in Training, getting outside to workout, getting to meet other people through group rides
How did you come to ride with the program?: Was seeking a Gila team for which to guest ride
How did you pick this race?: I like to do at least one early season stage race to boost my fitness, and my school vacation lined up with Gila!
What do you do when you are not racing?: Teaching music in some way shape or form, attempting to be a gourmet cook, refinishing something
Do you normally ride for a team or as a solo rider?: I ride with ALP Cycles Racing
What are you looking to take away from this time with the team?: I am looking forward to having a task to complete during each race. This will be my first time racing in a major race under the direction of a DS, so I expect to learn a lot!
Stef Sydlik
Age: 31
Occupation/ area of study: Chemistry Professor
Years racing: 4
Primary race discipline: Road
Do you consider yourself a developing rider or a seasoned rider?: Definitely still developing. I have a lot to learn!
Cycling Strength: Climber/ GC rider
How did you get into cycling or what do you like best about cycling?: I was on the US Rowing national team, but injured my shoulders and started cycling as cross training. After two shoulder surgeries, I retired from rowing to focus on my PhD studies but shortly after I defended my thesis I got itchy to race, so decided to give bike racing a try. My first full length road race was during Killington Stage Race and I was hooked!
How did you come to ride with the program?: My coach, @Kyle Wolfe, coaches @Becca Fahringer (AmyD cyclocross athlete & national team member!) and put me in touch with the Foundation.
How did you pick this race?: If I call myself a climber, I have to test my legs at the Tour of the Gila, right?! What do you do when you’re not racing?: I’m pretty busy being a chemistry professor and a wife (my husband is a medical resident, so he basically lives at the hospital!) I also have a really cute pet bunny who I like to hang out with!
Do you normally ride for a team or as a solo rider?: My home team is @QCW Cycling
What are you looking to take away from this time with the team?: I’m excited for the team experience and for the opportunity to test my legs on the most challenging courses in the country.
Overall Finishes:
06) Julie Emmerman
16) Stefanie Sydlik
36) Margot Clyne
45) Illi Gardner
54) Alyia Traficante
00) Andrea Printy