Ahead of the 2024 cycling season, Cynisca Cycling has signed American talents Lauren Stephens and Chloe Patrick to its roster. The move brings together the huge amount of experience of Stephens, the reigning USA gravel national champion and former USA national road champion, with the burgeoning talent of Patrick, the current U23 elite national criterium champion.
Team General Manager Chris Gutowsky offered high praise for both riders, citing Stephens as a “proven leader” capable of nurturing team growth. She brings to the table a treasure trove of experience, from her formative years racing whilst completing her mathematics degree at the University of North Texas, to her journey as a professional cyclist with TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank and later EF Education TIBCO SVB. An entrant in this weekend’s UCI World Gravel Championships in Veneto, Italy, Stephens has her sights set on expanding her rich tapestry of accomplishments.
Gutowsky also lauded Patrick’s exceptional promise, describing her as a “developmental rider” destined for international glory both on the road and track. The 18-year-old from Carson, California, who began her cycling career at the age of 11, boasts 16 national titles across junior and U23 categories, mainly in track cycling. Although initially using road racing to bolster her track performance, Patrick found an added zest for the road. She represented the US in the 2021 Junior Road World Championships as a first-year junior rider, signalling her broadening scope.
Both riders emphasise the bigger picture. Stephens takes pride in translating her passion into a fulfilling career, while Patrick values the comprehensive development of her skills, stating her dual commitment to road and track as part of the USA Cycling programme. With the signing of Stephens and Patrick, Cynisca Cycling continues to show it is providing equitable opportunities for women in competitive cycling. It underscores a philosophy of not merely racing to win, but racing to also cultivate talent, expertise, and camaraderie.
Stephens will act as a mentor, leveraging her expertise to elevate the team, and Patrick, in turn, stands to gain invaluable lessons from competing among the best, facilitated by Cynisca’s supportive financial, coaching, and international racing structures.
