Tour de Bloom Delivers Teamwork, Growth, and Big Results

Tour de Bloom 6 - Day Stage Race

Wenatchee, Washington

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Full report here: https://conta.cc/3RTgrBI

STAGE 1 - MISSION RIDGE SKI & BOARD HILL CLIMB

1. Emmi Gilbert (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
2. Anna Hicks (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
3. Kylee Hanel (USA) Aegis x Leaders of Enchantment
   

“I was super excited and ready going into the first stage. I think a course like this benefits me very well and I was definitely excited to try a mass start hill climb to kick off Tour de Bloom. I am very happy to have gone away with the stage 1 win. Big thank you to 2028 for bringing me to Bloom” - Emmi Gilbert

STAGE 2 - STILL PROPERTIES WATERVILLE ROAD RACE

1. Marlies Mejias (CUB) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
2. Olivia Cummins (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
3. Ella Sabo (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
   

“The road race was always going to be challenging, with colder temperatures and aggressive crosswinds making the day even tougher. The team rode incredibly well and made the decisive split in an eight-rider break that was eventually reduced to seven. The pace was fast and furious for mile after mile, but everyone stayed committed and worked together beautifully.

To finish first through fourth and sweep the podium again was really special. The teamwork, strength, and confidence from every rider was so impressive.” — Marlies Mejias

STAGE 3 WENATCHEE TWILIGHT CRITERIUM

1. Marlies Mejias (CUB) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
2. Olivia Cummins (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
3. Ella Sabo (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
   

“This year has been very track-focused for me, and track racing is such an individual discipline, so it felt really good to be back racing alongside my teammates. Everyone has stepped up to another level. Ella has become such a powerful sprinter and was grabbing almost every prime in the race. Olivia was a super teammate, fighting for points and time in the green jersey competition. Emmi’s criterium skills are solid, and she is undoubtedly one of the best climbers in the country. Emily and Anna patrolled the front all night and helped keep everything in check.

The team controlled the race beautifully and kept the pace high so I could sprint for the win for them. To sweep the podium that night made it even more special. It was really fun to share that race and that moment with my team.” - Marlies Mejias

STAGE 4 - PLAIN ROAD ROACE

1. Emily Ehrlich (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
2. Marlies Mejias (CUB) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
3. Olivia Cummins (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
   

"Tour de Bloom was such a special week for our team. Sweeping the podium on three stages and being part of those results was incredibly rewarding, and I loved doing everything I could to help the team succeed each day. I’ve continued feeling stronger with every race this spring, and this week was another big step forward." - Olivia Cummins

STAGE 5 MANSFIELD TIME TRIAL

1. Emily Ehrlich (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
2. Marlies Mejias (CUB) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
3. Lilly Edwards (USA) CCB
   

"Tour de Bloom was an exciting low-pressure, much needed fun time with my team. My only goal going into the race was the time trial, but I ended up having so much fun working for my team, and felt energized enough to push myself hard even on the other stages. I was very happy to come away with a road race stage victory, which is very unusual for me these days. It's all thanks to my amazing supportive team, sharp witted and outside-the-box thinking director, and perfectly dedicated staff. I came away from TdB with more smiles and memories than I ever expected." - Emily Ehrlich

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STAGE 6 ED FARRAR MEMORIAL ROAD RACE

1. Grace Arlandson (USA) Aegis x Leaders of Enchantment
2. Jamie (USA) Aegis x Leaders of Enchantment
3. Kylee Hanel (USA) Aegis x Leaders of Enchantment
4. Anna Hicks (USA) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28
5. Marlies Mejias (CUB) Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28

“The final stage was a big challenge for me. I started the day in the leader’s jersey, and I knew I was going to have to give absolutely everything. I’m not known as a climber, but I gave it my best shot, and my teammates were incredible.

Anna Hicks stayed with me until the very end. She had the strength to win the stage herself, but instead she chose to stay with me and pace me up the climb. I was so grateful to her and to Emily in those closing miles, and to Ella, Olivia, and Emmi for everything they did throughout the entire week. The team winning 5 out of 6 stages was truly a team effort this week.” — Marlies Mejias

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Best Overall Team Classification

"The Tour de Bloom was an outstanding weekend for Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28, showcasing the team’s depth, unity, and growing tactical strength. Beyond the racing, the event provided valuable opportunities for media training, communication development, and team building, all important pieces of a world-class program.

From the opening stage to the final day, every rider contributed with professionalism, purpose, and selfless teamwork. Emmi opened the race with a dominant Stage 1 victory and took the pink leader’s jersey. Marlies followed with wins in Stages 2 and 3, ultimately securing the green points jersey. Emily added impressive victories in the sprint stage and individual time trial, while Anna earned the Mountains Jersey through aggressive and intelligent racing. Olivia finished second in the green jersey competition and played a key role in helping secure Marlies’ victories, while Ella delivered a strong all-around performance, earning more than $1,200 in criterium primes and contributing significantly to the team’s points success.

The squad also won the overall team classification, reflecting not only individual talent but the trust, cohesion, and commitment within the group. As Director, it was incredibly rewarding to work with athletes so dedicated to learning, growing, and executing at a high level.

This team is building real momentum, and Tour de Bloom reinforced that even bigger opportunities and results are ahead." - Giana Chilcott

"I am so proud of how we rode together as a team, it felt so good to be back on the road scene and working with these girls. After focusing on track in the early season, I was happy to see my road and climbing fitness in a great place. After getting 2nd in the hill climb prologue the team decided to support me going for the Mountain jersey. Due to awesome support from my teammates, I was able to hold onto the jersey through the final day! The teamwork we displayed across all our success and losses this the week as truly incredible and something I am proud of." - Anna Hick