Cylance Pro Cycling Announces Tour of the Gila Rosters

Cylance Pro Cycling is headed to one of North America’s most difficult stage races, the Tour of the Gila, starting tomorrow, April 19th-23rd

Located in Silver City, New Mexico racing from April 19 to April 23. Taking place in high desert altitude, the race is notorious for its five days of windy and mountainous conditions.  The 2017 Tour of the Gila is a part of the Pro Road Tour and Cylance Pro Cycling is sending both women’s and men’s teams to compete in the event.

The first stage, which used to include the decisive climb up to Mogollon. oad construction has caused organisers of the Tour of the Gila to scrap the Mogollon climb and changed to finish on Whitewater Mesa,  a wind swept plateau following a stiff 3.8 miles climb with gradients up to 13%.  Even with less climbing, this day will still offer the first chance for general classification standings.

Stage 2, the Inner Loop Road Race, contains a climb over the continental divide  through the ghost town of Pinos Altos and rolls back into Fort Bayard on the Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway.  Wind and the unrelenting terrain always makes this stage a true test for the strongest riders.

The third stage is a 16 mile out and back time trial.

The fourth stage is a technical  criterium in the downtown  Silver City.

The final test for the riders is on Stage 5, the Gila Monster Road Race, which offers 2 trips over the continental divide, technical descents, and more windy conditions.  

While a part of the women’s team is competing at Ardennes Week in Belgium, the rest of the women’s team will race the Tour of the Gila.  The team will be balanced with different strengths to be able to race each day with an ultimate goal of finding victory.

Known for her climbing prowess, Krista Doebel-Hickok will be looking for mountaintop success at the Tour of Gila.  Showing her climbing form, Doebel-Hickok recently won the QOM jersey and placed second at the Anniston-McClellan Road Race last weekend.  “I'm really looking forward to meeting up with my teammates for one of the most challenging stage races of the year. This will be a great intro into the heart of my season” says Doebel-Hickok.

Kaitie Antonneau (USA) will be making her Cylance Pro Cycling debut at the Tour of Gila after taking the first part of the season off to recover from her successful Cannondale cyclocross season. Cylance Pro Cycling will bring North American riders, Joëlle Numainville (CAN), Alison Tetrick (USA) and Erica Zaveta (USA) to help assist the team’s goals and look for opportunities in the high desert. 

Cylance Pro Cycling Women’s Roster:

Erica Zavetta
Kaitie Antonneau
Alison Tetrick
Krista Doebel-Hickok
Joëlle Numainville

Cylance Pro Cycling’s men’s team will continue to show their North American strength as they line up for the Tour of Gila.  Kyle Murphy (USA) is making each climbing selection and continues to improve with each race.  With Murphy’s recent win at the hill climb time trial of San Dimas Road Race and decisive abilities seen at Joe Martin Stage Race and the Alabama Cycling Class, Murphy is ready to tackle the Gila Monster. 

Murphy will be supported by Orlando Garibay (MEX) who has been preparing for the Tour of Gila with the rest of the team at the high altitude of Big Bear Lake.  Garibay has shown to be a dependable and trustworthy teammate on all types of terrain and courses.  Eric Marcotte (USA and Karl Menzies (AUS) who both have already found the podium several times this year, will be able to look for opportunity to lead the team to a victory.  Hunter Grove (USA) and Andres Diaz (COL) will complete the roster to add to its strength and versatility as the team battles the challenging courses at the Tour of the Gila.    

“The team’s morale is high after scoring podiums at the last three Pro Road Tour events” says Hilton Clarke, Director Sportif.  “The team will be hunting for stage wins while also having high GC aspirations.”

Cylance Pro Cycling Men’s Roster:

Kyle Murphy
Orlando Garibay
Andres Diaz
Eric Marcotte
Hunter Grov
Karl Menzies

Cylance Pro Cycling is looking forward to the Tour of the Gila and excited to be able to showcase North American racing for both the men’s and women’s teams.