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EF Education-TIBCO-SVB

Exploring new perspectives with North America’s longest running women’s pro cycling team.

25 January 2022

For EF Education-TIBCO-SVB founder Linda Jackson, it's always been about development. A former investment banker, then highly decorated pro cyclist, Jackson took the decision to retire from racing in 2000 so that she could help other women achieve their own cycling goals. This sentiment still carries the team into each new season.

“We’re at an inflection point where young women are seeing cycling for the first time and thinking, ‘This is a sport that I can do.’ That’s exactly what women’s cycling needs, growth in the base of the pyramid. Now it’s up to us to keep pushing.”

- Linda Jackson

With a heavy focus on emerging talent, the team strives to help women reach their potential in a healthy and supportive environment, something that is very important to Jackson. Women racing full time for EF TIBCO SVB will now be paid the men’s WorldTour minimum salary; an important move in the push to professionalise women’s cycling.

Combining a diverse range of both experience and emerging talent, 2022’s roster of riders makes for an exciting season ahead. US national champion Lauren Stephens is back for her ninth year with the team, along with a few other returning riders. Meanwhile, the focus on future talent sees younger riders like 20-year-old Magdeleine Vallieres stepping up.

With this exciting range of riders assembled in such a supportive environment, we can’t wait to see what this season has in store for them.

The Riders

Lauren Stephens

2021 US champion and squad stalwart, an ever-determined Stephens returns for her ninth season with the team.

@lollyis_lauren

Krista Doebel-Hickok

Krista also returns to the squad after previously riding for them, bringing a mountain of climbing experience with her.

@kristabeldh

Lizzy Banks

After leaving medical school in 2015 to pursue her cycling career, Banks is looking to recompense the premature end to her 2021 season.

@elizzybanks

Emily Newsom

Athlete, mother, musician and teacher. Newsom adds the new LifeTime gravel and MTB series to her calendar this year.

@vkewers

Abi Smith

A 19-year-old self-described “diesel engine”, Abi joined the team mid season in 2021 and is looking to carry on the way she started.

@abijesmith

Sara Poidevin

Originally beginning her cycling career as a mountain biker, Sara discovered her climbing legs in her hometown of Canmore, amongst the Rocky Mountains.

@sara_poido

The Races

THE WOMEN’S TOUR

This June sees the welcome return of the eight edition of The Women’s Tour, Britain’s most reputable road race. Beginning in Colchester, the race comprises six stages across six days, and this year’s competition is tougher than ever.

6th - 11th June

GIRO D'ITALIA DONNE

Returning to the women’s cycling calendar for its 33rd edition, and with its women’s WorldTour status regained, the Giro d’Italia Donne will take place from June 30 to July 10. Starting off in Sardinia with a 4.7km time trial, this year’s race promises a bigger prize purse and increased live TV coverage, so stay tuned to find out who’ll come out on top.

30th June - 10th July

TOUR DE FRANCE ‘FEMMES’

In 2009, the four stage Grande Boucle Féminine Internationale, or Petite Boucle as Emma Pooley put it, was discontinued. Nine years later the race is making its return, rebuilt and reimagined. 8 stages, 1029km, and a very long time coming.

24th - 31th July