Jonathan Potter, Director of Content Creation
and Media for UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling
says, “We’ve held the title three of the past
four years, with 2014 being the first year of our
women’s program.” Coryn Rivera won gold in
2014, Hannah Barnes followed with a win in
2015 sharing the podium with teammate Coryn
Rivera who placed second, and last year Lauren
Hall won the 2017 title alongside teammate
Diana Peñuela who finished third.
“We love coming back to the Sunny King race
each year as it’s a great opportunity to
stretch our sprinters legs and the reception
is always excellent,” Potter says of the race
which is the first on the Pro Road Tour. “It also
offers us an excellent opportunity to share
our message of healthy living with a new
community.”
The women of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling
welcomed new additions Lizzie Banks and Leah
Thomas this year, both of which will race in
the Alabama Cycling Classic. Potter says the
women trained together at the team camp
in Tucson, AZ in February. “The team stayed
all together in a house, which afforded the
opportunity to bond.” In addition, Potter says,
“The excellent weather, and good roads of the
southwest afforded the team an opportunity
to come together and put in some long miles
before the start of the season.”
The team dominated in the Valley of the Sun
Stage Race in February. Read more
Sprinter Diana Peñuela finished third in the
Sunny King Criterium in 2017. She says she
enjoys to “see all the spectators and their
families that come out to support the evening
of the criterium.” Peñuela adds that “the
Piedmont Road Race route promises to be a
beautiful and demanding course.”
“Cycling is a sport of great demand, but it
gives you great satisfaction,” Peñuela says.
“Satisfactions that can not be achieved but by
yourself, climb that long mountain, arrive in
less time to that desired place, all those big or
small challenges make you think about taking
healthy habits and taking care of your body,
dedicating more time to the sport practice.”
In addition to riding professionally, Peñuela
volunteers with children in her community,
helping to get more kids on bikes and
providing the tools they need to lead a healthy
lifestyle.
Banks and Hall also work with an organization
to mentor children. They both stayed at The
Homestretch Foundation in Tucson during
winter training. “Lauren has been living there
for the past eight years during her winter
training time and is now a mentor for new
athletes in the community,” Potter explains.
“During their time there they both work with
El Grupo youth cycling organization to mentor
kids on bikes, give them the tools to live a
healthy life, and provide a support network for
children in the community.”
Peñuela says of her teammates, “I consider
that I belong to a team of great athletes but
more than that, of great people. All our goals
are focused on winning as a team. I am very
excited to start this season with my girls, have
fun, and learn from each of them and our
experiences.”