By Angelina Stevens

 

Are you a woman cyclist looking to become faster, stronger, and yes, more competitive?  SpokesWomen Syndicate is an entirely female cycling team based in Chapel Hill, NC that may be for you. In 2010, SpokesWomen Syndicate (SWS) was founded by Evie Edwards, a local elite-level cyclist, with the goal of providing local women with the opportunity to compete as a team at an elite level. Evie created the team, “out of a desire to encourage more women to ride and race bikes- whether on the local race scene or on the professional/elite National circuit”.  Under current title sponsorship from PARcycles and Happy Tooth Dentistry, our mission is to promote female athletes through the sport of cycling. In keeping with this mission, we maintain both elite (USAC cat 1/2) and development (USAC cat 3/4) squads. Elite-level cyclists are encouraged to reach out to and mentor beginner-level SWS cyclists, helping them achieve their potential at a much faster rate. Although SWS is primarily a cycling team, we welcome female athletes from all backgrounds. Our current roster of 18 women includes two professional triathletes in addition to several recreational triathletes, runners, and swimmers.

 

Asked about the future of SWS, Evie said, “The team’s future is largely up to the women who join the organization.  I’ve worked hard to lay a foundation of SpokesWomen Syndicate, but the effort to maintain a presence can only come from the energy and momentum of the women who wear our kit and work hard to find sponsors!  Having a willing attitude and a desire to challenge oneself in a team setting goes a long way, and we’ve been fortunate to have women involved who make SWS/ParCycles a respected presence in the NC (and beyond) women’s racing scene.”  The team is currently managed by Nicole Vincent, an elite cyclist, and PhD candidate. “It was the team aspect of cycling that attracted me to the sport, and my goal as Team Director is to promote a collegial, team atmosphere for our team.”  Nicole is known for her bright smile, her amazing organizational skills, and for recruiting and assisting new team members for SWS.   For more information on the SWS team: www.spokeswomensyndicate.com.  For information on joining SWS: vincent.nicole@gmail.com

 

Join SWS on their weekly Team Rides: Wednesday 6pm–Women’s Only Spin, ParCycles Bike Shop Carrboro.  Sunday 10am–3 hour public endurance ride, Wilson Park Carrboro. 

 

Current Team Roster

Elite Riders:

Evie Edwards, Kirsten Davis, Megan Garlapow, ChrisTommerdahl, Hadley Trotter, Nicole Vincent Jordan, Bergen Watterson

Developmental Riders:

Caroline Moakley, Mollie Brewer, Christie Fry, Mandy Gallagher, Nancy Garfield, Daniela Husarik, Suzanne Jackson, Viktoria Koskenoja, Amy Krasnozon, Laura Laltrello, Colleen Pirozzi, Christy Quirk, Angelina Stevens, Becky Woodruff

 

Look For Us At These Races:

Rock Hill RR and Crit, March 31st – April 1st

Tour de Moore RR, April 28th

Brick City Criterium, April 29th –Our Team and Sponsor Race!

NC Road Race Champs, May 2nd-3rd

Asheboro and Denton Criteriums, May 5th-6th

Berger Hardware RR, May 19th 

Wake Forest Crit, May 20th

Piedmont Triad Crit, July 7th

NC Time Trial Champs, July 8th

French Broad Omnium July 20-22nd