A 501c-3 Non-Profit Charitable Organization
For Immediate Press Release: March 10, 2016
Fearless Femme Racing is excited to return to the North American racing circuit with a small, but mighty and fearless program for 2016. As a domestic elite development team, Fearless Femme successful provided pathways for many of their previous riders onto UCI women’s teams in 2016, but has reloaded with one returning rider, Australian phenoms, and a Junior-scholar development rider. In addition to racing, Fearless Femme will visit schools and participate in events that promote, mentor, and inspire youth, recreational, and competitive cycling.
2016 Fearless Femme Racing Kit
Mission
Fearless Femme Racing’s genesis came from Pure Energy Cycling, which is a brick-and-mortar bike shop in Lambertville, NJ (est. pop. 3,900), where the shop’s noticeable difference was not necessarily to make a profit, but to make a difference in cycling. Quickly, Pure Energy Cycling’s community events and small programs evolved into bike teams and ultimately into Pure Energy Velo, a 501c-3 non-profit organization. Pure Energy Velo’s programs has sponsored more Olympians and National Champions from multiple countries than any US cycling program, notably: Theresa-Cliff Ryan (USA), Tina Pic (USA), Kimberley Wells (AUS), Fiona Meade (IRL), Bobby Lea (USA), Matt Baranoski (USA), Jackie Simes (USA), Andy Lakatosh (USA).
Athletes of Pure Energy Velo are ambassadors whose mission is to create a new standard for a role model whom youth may look up to and aspire to be like. Coupled with the rider’s unprecedented athletic ability, each rider for Pure Energy Velo is well-educated and possess a strong sense of community. “We’re hoping that kids look up to cyclists in the same spirit as football or baseball players, and want to continue riding a bike as a lifestyle activity, as riding a bike has character-building, environmental, health, and community benefits that mainstream sports just don’t possess,” said Arounkone Sananikone (Founder/Co-Director/Mechanic).
Schools, bike clubs, and event coordinators are encouraged to contact info@fearlessfemmeracing.org to schedule an appearance or group ride.
For 2016, Fearless Femme Racing will be the resounding voice for Pure Energy Velo, their partners, and donors, by conducting group/club rides, school visits, and speaking engagements, in addition to competitive racing. Amy Cutler said it best by articulating, “It all starts with youth, because a sport that neglects its roots has no future.”
Photo Credit: Michael W. Thomas (Shadow Catcher Photography)
The Team
Amy Cutler (Manville, NJ, USA) returns to Fearless Femme after a season of being a super domestique, where she excited aggressive attacks and lead-outs. In addition, Amy’s natural marketing and organizational talents has earned her a co-management role on the team. Jessica Mundy (Adelaide, AUS) is fresh off winning the 2016 U-23 Australian Criterium National Championships, as well as Podium finishes in the U-23 Australian Road National Championships, and Road Oceania Championship! Jessica was also the 2013 recipient of the Amy Gillett Cycling Foundation Scholarship. At only 22 years old, Jessica brings tremendous experience and success on both the road and track that will catalyze the surge to the podium.
Jessica Mundy (Adelaide, AUS) is fresh off winning the 2016 U-23 Australian Criterium National Championships, as well as Podium finishes in the U-23 Australian Road National Championships, and Road Oceania Championship! Jessica was also the 2013 recipient of the Amy Gillett Cycling Foundation Scholarship. At only 22 years old, Jessica brings tremendous experience and success on both the road and track that will catalyze the surge to the podium.
Photo Credit: Kirsty Baxter Photography
Louisa Lobigs (Canberra, AUS) is the 2016 recipient of the Amy Gillett Cycling Foundation Scholarship and brings an aggressive all-around racing style that will make waves in the women’s peleton. Congruent with her racing, Louisa is pursuing her PhD in anti-doping.
Lucy Bechtel (Canberra, AUS) joins Fearless Femme Racing from an accomplished mountain biking background in Australia. Her off-road strengths are a tremendous skillset match to the small crit team.
Paige Shumskas (Pipersville, PA, USA) is the 2016 Junior-Scholar Development rider who brings a precocious energy to the team, with the ability to race on the track and road. Paige’s dedication to academics, cycling, family, and community is the ethos of the Fearless Femme and Pure Energy Velo’s mission.
Our Partners
Fearless Femme represents a movement in cycling and prefers not to have a title sponsor overshadow the objectives of the program. The companies and donors, who are the financial and equipment lifeline, believe in the mission and stand by the team with intense enthusiasm and loyalty. In addition, each non-industry partner company is a local business that rides bikes and supports cycling culture.
Vie13 Kustom Apparel continues as the kit sponsor of the team for the 4th consecutive year. Fearless Femme is excited to be the first to compete in Vie13’s latest and most technically advanced skinsuits and kits. World Class cyclists and athletes themselves, Gary Ryan and Theresa-Cliff Ryan (owners of Vie13) are relentless in harnessing every watt and aerodynamic gain in their materials and cuttings to provide a winning advantage.
Fearless Femme will be racing on Colnago CLX bicycles. Colnago is arguably the most prestigious bicycle company in cycling, offering the most well-engineered and winningest bikes in the peleton. “Colnago bikes are so well built and they bring a competitive edge that our team is so thrilled to race and represent! Every rider’s dream is to ride a Colnago, and for them to partner with Fearless Femme is a dream in itself,” said Arounkone Sananikone.
ROL Wheels returns as the team wheel sponsor providing hand-built wheels from Denver, and matched to Schwalbe One Tubular tires for a superior wheel system.
Shammy Shine Car Washes is a new partner and offers amazing car washing and detailing support that is unparalleled. For anyone who travels with large amounts of gear, heavy miles, and multiple passengers, Shammy Shine’s superior services keeps a vehicle clean, looking striking, and a cozy mobile-base for bicycle teams. A company with many riders themselves, Shammy Shine understands a clean vehicle is as great as a clean bicycle.
Think Communications Group comes onboard as a new partner, offering marketing guidance and website that will be fresh and capable of streaming live training and race feeds! Think Communications Group delivers marketing solutions and creative brand strategies across a diverse market, while maintaining focus on family and community.
TayganPoint Consulting returns as a cycling-centric partner of Fearless Femme Racing. Both founders of TayganPoint and their top consultants all ride and compete in triathlons and charity events. Each year, TayganPoint hosts a ride and community event that has been known to attract pros and Olympians.
In addition, Fearless Femme Racing is honored to have these other distinguished donors and partners as loyal partners for the 2016 season:
- AWB – Foundation for the Carolinas
- CMJ Medical
- Coffeebeandirect.com
- Kask Helmets
- Defeet Socks
- Oakley Glasses
- Pure Energy Cycling
On behalf of Fearless Femme Racing, our gracious sponsors, donors, and staff, we hope to deliver mentorship, advocacy, inspiration, fun, and victories!
To make a donation click here. For events and appearances, email info@fearlessfemmeracing.org
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