Cynisca Cycling announces the appointment of Robin Farina as the team’s operations director and as a sports director. She will also help behind-the-scenes, handling travel logistics, acting as team liaison with coaches for individual training, coordinating race schedules and helping the team secure sponsorship.
“As a former professional rider and team director, Robin knows firsthand what riders will face during a race season, domestically and internationally, and can assist in helping each rider thrive,” said Cynisca Cycling general manager and founder, Chris Gutowsky. “She is already off to a rolling start, working on 2023 plans with the 12 riders on the final roster, who will be officially announced in the coming weeks.”
Farina’s experience moving through the women’s cycling racing ranks gives her a unique perspective to share with developing riders. She began cycling after a knee injury forced her to give up tennis, soccer and volleyball in college. Upon graduating from the University of Tennessee with a sports management degree, the bike became her outlet to keep her love of sports alive. She quickly became a pro cyclist and won the 2011 USA National Road Race Championship, spring boarding her onto the international racing scene. Racing in Europe gave her valuable experience to enhance her skills and earn a spot on the 2012 USA Olympic Long Team for road racing.
“Racing in Europe can be a shock to some athletes,” says Farina. “Not only is the competition tougher, but most of these young women will be travelling extensively abroad for the first time, leaving family, friends and their support system back home. I want to help make sure that transition is as smooth as possible for them, so they can make the most of their international racing experience.”
Throughout her cycling career Farina has operated her own endurance coaching business, RoFA Endurance, owned a bike shop in Charlotte, NC, and helped start the Women’s Cycling Association that was instrumental in launching the campaign for equity in cycling for women.
About Cynisca Cycling:
Cynisca Cycling is committed to advancing women’s cycling and aims to take talented young women to the next level in their cycling careers. Through joint ventures between independent teams and USA Cycling, the team will identify, develop and support dedicated young athletes as they progress to the elite ranks of pro cycling. Cynisca Cycling provides an organizational structure that supports career opportunities for women both on and off the bike.