younger members of this team enjoy a unique opportunity to learn from more experienced riders . “ What ’ s so great about the big age range is that everyone brings something to the table - something special ,” says Rathbun , 20 . “ I think the younger ones keep us young and we probably are pretty good at keeping their eyes rolling ,” joked Pic , 50 .
The women agree that they ride because they love it . “ We put our bodies on the line for this adrenaline-soaked sport and we certainly are competitive , but the main reason we do this and why we work so well together is our common love for cycling ,” explained M . Kelly . “ If it ’ s not fun then why risk your skin ?”
Debbie Milne has been riding for 29 years ( 17 years competitively ), and this is her first real experience of being on a team . Milne said she was hesitant about joining at first , “ I have always raced individually , even at the highest level ”. Now , she says she ’ s “ excited to see how far this team can go .”
Part of what intrigued Milne about joining was team owner and manager Tish Kelly . “ Our team is totally different than all the teams I ’ ve raced for in the past . Way more fun , mainly because of Tish !” added teammate Pettit .
With a background in professional tennis , T . Kelly admits that she had little knowledge of how to manage a cycling team when things got started a little over a year ago . In fact , she says it wasn ’ t even her idea , “ Papa John came up with the idea , actually ”.
T . Kelly and her daughter , Madison , were cycling with John Schnatter , founder of Papa John ’ s Pizza , near their homes in Naples , FL when the concept for the team was born . Schnatter was so impressed by Madison , who had only been cycling for two years , that he decided then-and-there that he wanted to sponsor her .
Over the past year , T . Kelly gained respect in the bike racing world and sponsors began hopping on board . “ It ’ s a group of good people helping each other ,” she says . T . Kelly approaches the sport with fun and positivity , and she credits much of her success to that practice .
“ It is our responsibility as bike racers to make this sport as fun , enticing , and exciting as possible ,” explains M . Kelly . Maness agrees , saying , “ This team is amazing because there is no big ego on the team , everyone wants to race their bike the best they can and have fun .” Rathbun says she feels lucky to race with these “ strong , fearless women ,” and she believes that they will surprise a lot of people this racing season . The Sunny King Criterium will be Rathbun ’ s first race with the team .
The women of Papa John ’ s Racing p / b TREK will compete in 50 race days this year , and they say they ’ re stoked to make a weekend stop in Anniston . Each
INSIGHT
2017 Noble Street Festival and Alabama Cycling Classic Guide