Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 have announced the signing of Emmi Gilbert, one of the breakout names from this year’s Redlands Bicycle Classic. The 21-year-old impressed with a fourth-place finish on the decisive Onyx Summit stage and went on to claim fifth overall while riding for the Jackroo composite squad, a result that quickly turned heads across the domestic scene.
Gilbert, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, only committed to cycling full-time in late 2023 after a background in cross-country and triathlon. Now based in Arizona, she races with the University of Arizona Cycling Team and is studying environmental science. In the past year, she has already raced three Collegiate National Championships across road and cyclocross and made a name for herself on Tucson’s iconic Shootout ride, where holding position in the front group is a marker of serious form.
Her progression from Cat 2/3 wins at the Tour of the Gila in 2024 to GC contention at Redlands this spring has been rapid. Nicola Cranmer, General Manager at TWENTY28, pointed to her mix of race instinct and determination as key attributes.
“I’ve been impressed by Emmi’s rapid progression and fearless approach to racing,” Cranmer said. “After watching her performance at Redlands—where she not only showed she can suffer on the climbs but also navigate a crit with confidence and composure, it was clear she has the mindset we value. She’s a fast learner, brings great energy, and is a natural fit for our team culture.”
Gilbert will make her debut for TWENTY28 at the upcoming USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships in Charleston, West Virginia, where she’s scheduled to contest the U23 time trial, road race, criterium, and the elite road race. From there, she’ll head to Roanoke to meet the team’s partners before racing the Armed Forces Cycling Classic.
Speaking about the move, Gilbert said: “It has been a goal of mine to be a part of a cycling team. I love the tactics and different strategies that are implemented during races, and I can’t wait to be on the start line with my new teammates. I absolutely love the thrill of racing and the hard work and dedication that’s needed during training to race competitively. I’m hoping to do this for as long as I can.”
