Emmi Gilbert Signed Following Breakout Performance at Redlands
Nebraska native and Tarantino fan brings climbing to the TWENTY28 squad
Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 is proud to welcome Emmi Gilbert to its UCI women’s professional cycling team. With a breakthrough ride at the 2025 Redlands Bicycle Classic—placing 4th on the legendary Onyx Summit stage and 5th overall in the general classification—Gilbert has quickly shown she’s one to watch. Her gritty performance for the Jackroo composite team earned attention across the peloton and solidified her place in the next generation of U.S. cycling talent.
Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, Emmi ran cross country and competed in triathlon before turning her full attention to cycling in late 2023 as part of the University of Arizona Cycling Team, where she is currently majoring in environmental science. Since then, she has represented the University at three Collegiate National Championships—two in road and one in cyclocross—gaining valuable race experience and contributing to the team’s continued growth. You’ll often find her at Tucson’s famous Shootout ride—holding her own at the front of the action.
Off the bike, Emmi is known for her quick wit, Quentin Tarantino fandom, and curiosity about cars—particularly vintage models from the ’60s to early 2000s. Her go-to training meal is rice, protein, and vegetables, and she claims the best part of being a bike racer is the “caffeine addiction.”
“I am very excited to join VBR TWENTY28! It has been a goal of mine to be a part of a cycling team. I love the tactics and different strategies that are implemented during races, and I can’t wait to be on the start line with my new teammates! I’d like to see how far I can rise in the sport of cycling. I absolutely love the thrill of racing and the hard work and dedication that’s needed during training to race competitively. I’m hoping to do this for as long as I can!”
— Emmi Gilbert
Emmi will debut with Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 at the upcoming USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships in Charleston, WV. She will compete in the U23 Time Trial, U23 Road Race, U23 Criterium, and the Elite Road Race. After Nationals, she’ll head to the team’s home base in Roanoke, Virginia to connect with partners at Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, before racing the Armed Forces Cycling Classic in Arlington, VA.
“I’ve been impressed by Emmi’s rapid progression and fearless approach to racing. I first took notice of her results at the 2024 Tour of the Gila, where she won stages and the GC in the competitive Cat 2/3 field—a race that’s notoriously tough to win. Then, hearing from Tucson’s Shootout regulars about her ability to hold position in the front group of that challenging ride really piqued my interest. After watching her performance at Redlands—where she not only showed she can suffer on the climbs but also navigate a crit with confidence and composure—it was clear she has the mindset we value. She’s a fast learner, brings great energy, and is a natural fit for our team culture. I’m excited to support her continued development—both on and off the bike.”
— Nicola Cranmer, General Manager, Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28
Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 remains committed to nurturing athletes who are bold, talented, and grounded in character. Emmi Gilbert brings all of that and more. We’re excited to see her continue to grow and contribute to our team’s mission of empowering women in sport .
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