Congrats Annabelle!

The CCAP: How did you feel when you realized you’d won the National Championship?

Annabelle: It only really hit me that I was the national champion when I stepped onto the podium and wore the jersey. All of the hard work I had put into this had finally paid off. Motivation from cross nationals helped me train harder because I knew what it was like to just fall short of a win. And road nationals prior to cross showed me that racing at a national level was even possible. Walking around after wearing the jersey felt unreal, and I was unbelievably grateful for everyone who had helped me get to this point: friends, family, and coaches. Winning this is a dream come true, and I really couldn’t ask for more.

The CCAP: How has the support from the Farmington Valley Youth Cycling Team, and Coach Jeff, helped you?

Annabelle: I joined Farmington Valley Youth Cycling in the summer of 2021. I was welcomed with open arms and everyone was so kind to me and other new, younger riders. During my first season, I showed up to every practice and would ride with Coach Jeff (Cote). He taught me many of the skills I know today, such as how to pace line and how to ride in a group. Since I was only 8 years old at the time (race age 8) I wasn’t eligible to race, so I was just cheering on my older brother Eli from the sidelines. Over the years, the team gave me lots of support. I really couldn’t have asked for a better team to start my cycling career on.

The CCAP: Do your brothers motivate you in your riding and racing, and do you train together?

Annabelle: My brothers definitely motivate and encourage me in my riding and racing. When we aren’t racing at the same time, I know they are cheering me on from the sidelines, and when we do, they always give me a “good job” at the end. Although I don’t train with my younger brother David, I do train with my older brother Eli. It’s a fun and enjoyable experience when I ride with him.

The CCAP: What were some highlights from the Tour of America’s Dairyland, and was it your first week-long race series?

Annabelle: Tour of America’s Dairyland was my first week-long race series, and I had a very good experience with it. The junior series was four days long, and I did the first two races as I needed to rest before nationals. All of the venues were huge, with numerous streets closed down to make the courses. The people who helped make this race happen were incredible. There had to be over 100 volunteers working to get the place set up for the early junior races. My first time at Tour of America’s Dairyland was so much fun and I hope I get to go there again next year.

The CCAP: Which race in that series was your favorite, and why?

Annabelle: My favorite race out of the two that I did was definitely the second race: Clocktower Classic. The junior fields were very big, with around 25 participants for the 9–12 group, making a decent peloton. I was able to apply skills that I learned, especially with the tight corners on the course. The venue was amazing. There were lots of little restaurants surrounded the race and the atmosphere was great. Clocktower Classic was definitely the best venue in Tour of America’s Dairyland.

The CCAP: What would you say to girls who haven’t tried road cycling yet?

Annabelle: Road cycling can change your life for the better. No matter your age, it’s easy to start, especially as a junior. When you’re a girl on a bike, it’s even better. With the limited number of girls in the sport, I’ve had plenty of races where I was the only girl signed up. When more girls sign up for road races, everyone benefits. Becoming a cyclist has helped me make so many long-lasting friendships, some with people who live five minutes away, others in another time zone. All of the amazing people I’ve met and the things I’ve learned just by swinging my leg over a bike are completely amazing. I can’t think of a life without my bike and community.

The CCAP: What are you looking forward to in the coming weeks?

Annabelle: I’m looking forward to the New Haven Grand Prix. I absolutely love the venue and the atmosphere is fantastic. It’s such a large and exciting event, and so many people, even those who aren’t cyclists, stop by to enjoy the experience. I’m also excited for cyclocross season and all the fun and thrilling events it brings. With cyclocross season comes colder weather, but just as much fun and exhilarating races.