Cynisca Cycling Adds Two Riders to Roster

BLOOMINGTON, IN – 17 APRIL 2023 – US-based, UCI Continental Team Cynisca Cycling announces the addition of two new development riders to its team roster.  Jess Cygan, 29, and Anna Hicks, 23, will make their debut with the team at the Tour of Gila, April 26-30.

“Cynisca Cycling is happy to have two more developing riders from the USA Cycling talent ID program joining our team,” said Chris Gutowsky, Cynisca’s general manager and team founder. “Jess and Anna both raced strongly for USA Cycling at the Redlands Classic and will be welcome additions for the upcoming Tour of Gila and Joe Martin stage races.”

Jess Cygan began her cycling career after competing in Division I cross-country and track at the College of William & Mary. Following a break from competitive running, Jess took up cycling on the road and gravel and hasn’t looked back. Recent highlights include a 1^st at Steamboat Gravel Blue and 3^rd at Unbound 100 in 2021 and 4^th place at the Boulder Roubaix Road Race in 2022.

“I have been focusing more on more road racing with a goal of earning a spot on a pro road team,” said Jess. “Cynisca is providing a wonderful opportunity for me and other women riders. I’m excited to have a great team to race and connect with.”

Anna Hicks is also new to cycling with some early successes in the sport including finishing 14^th in GC this past week at the Redlands Classic race series. She competed in Division I cross country and track at California Polytechnic State University before discovering her talent and love for cycling. In 2022, Anna stood on three podiums at the Collegiate Cycling National Championships, most notably coming in 2^nd in the road race, 2^nd in cross country short track and 1^st in the National collegiate mountain bike team relay.

“Joining Cynisca will help me gain experience and explore my potential,” said Anna. “The team has a such dynamic and strong group of girls.”

The riders were recommended to the team via Cynisca’s partnership with USA Cycling’s women’s development program. Cynisca Cycling is sponsoring the USA Cycling women’s development program for the second year, giving women on the national development team more opportunities to train and race together and in Europe. Both Anna and Jess competed on the USA Cycling Development squad at the Redlands Classic this week.

Departing the Cynisca Cycling team, Maddy Ward decided to concentrate on gravel racing and no longer race on the road in Europe.

The Cynisca Cycling team wears Mumu Apparel kits and race on Ventum Racing NS1 frames with Shimano drivetrains, brakes, pedals, power meters and wheels; Arundel Bicycling Company bartape, cages; WTB saddles; and Vittoria tires. Shimano also supplies the team with comfort and quality from head to toe with Shimano glasses and shoes and Lazer helmets.

About Cynisca Cycling:

Cynisca Cycling is a UCI-registered Women’s Continental Team (CYN-USA), dedicated to providing inspiration, aspiration and support for women to reach the highest levels in cycling – both on and off the bike – through a full system of support, guidance, coaching and science.

Launched in 2022 in partnership with USA Cycling, the team begins racing in 2023 in Europe and the US with an international roster including USA junior national and world champions plus French riders with World Tour Team experience. Cynisca is committed to fair pay for female athletes and staff development. www.Cyniscacycling.com