3 days, 3 wins with development squad, Rinaldo GC, Sabo 2 stage wins

Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 Desert Domination

3 days, 3 wins with development squad, Rinaldo GC, Sabo 2 stage wins

Roanoke, VA February 17, 2026 — After a short but much needed stop in snowy Roanoke, Virginia, our team traveled west to Phoenix, Arizona for the Valley of the Sun Stage Race.  It’s an event that’s practically woven into our program’s history: we’ve won it ten times, including the last four editions with Emily Ehrlich.

This year looked a little different in the best way. With seven riders representing the team at the Pan American Championships in Santiago, Chile, and one athlete in Cambridge, Australia racing Oceania Championships—all happening at the same time—it created a perfect opening for a hungry, developing squad to take the reins in Phoenix. Ella Sabo, Kenna Pfeiffer, and Emmi Gilbert lined up alongside Marj Rinaldo, who may be a seasoned athlete she is newer to road racing but brings real life experience and a steady, competitive edge.

This group didn’t just show up, they stepped up. They took ownership, led the effort, and embraced the responsibility that comes with racing an event we’ve made our own, guided by Olympian and Director Shelley Olds.

I’m so proud of this squad. Valley of the Sun may not be a major stage race, but winning is never easy and it’s even harder with a development group learning how to race together under pressure. This weekend was their chance to take it on, and they did. All four riders showcased their abilities, and I couldn’t be happier with the progress we’re seeing.

One of the biggest highlights for me, other than the winning of course :) was the final stage: Emmi crossed the line absolutely empty from how hard she’d worked. Then Kenna yelled that Ella had won the stage and Emmi instantly sprang back to life, exploding with pure joy for her teammate. Watching that moment hit me right in the heart. She was genuinely thrilled for Ella, and you could see she knew her work helped make that win happen. That’s what growth looks like. That’s team. Such progress.  

Thanks for reading, Nicola

Full story here: https://conta.cc/46cARdp