EF Education-Cannondale has recently announced the addition of 21-year-old Natalie Quinn to their team for the upcoming season. Quinn, the American U23 national road race champion, expressed her excitement about joining the team, a move that initially seemed too good to be true for her. Quinn’s victory at the U23 national road race was a defining moment in her cycling career. Entering the race without high expectations, she was surprised to find herself the last U23 rider in the front group. Initially disappointed with her performance, she later learned about her win and was overwhelmed by the achievement.
Before cycling, Quinn was a downhill ski racer, starting at the age of eight. She almost turned professional at 16 but decided against it, eventually finding her passion for cycling through her high school’s mountain biking team. This led to her becoming a scholarship athlete in Colorado at Fort Lewis College’s varsity cycling program, where she competed in various disciplines.
The 2023 season marked Quinn’s first focus on road racing, leading to her European racing debut and impressive results in Belgium. Despite being relatively new to road cycling, Quinn enjoys cobbles and punchy climbs, considers herself a solid descender and technical handler, and is known for her aggressiveness and willingness to take risks.
Team general manager Esra Tromp sees Quinn as a perfect fit for the team, valuing her background, willingness to learn, and potential to grow in the sport. Tromp admires Quinn’s desire to develop gradually and her fearless approach, coming from an alpine skiing background.
In addition to her cycling career, Quinn is also pursuing a degree in environmental conservation and management, focusing on food accessibility and sustainable agriculture. She aspires to work in creating sustainable agricultural systems, either through legal capacities or direct farm involvement.
Quinn’s signing marks a significant step in her career, transitioning from a national champion to joining a professional team she has long admired. Her enthusiasm for EF Pro Cycling, Cannondale bikes, and being part of an American team highlights her commitment and excitement for the upcoming season.
