Liv Cycling Forges Paths for New Cyclists with the Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s Continental Team Grassroots Programme

May 8, 2024

Four young, international, road racers have been selected to participate in a team training camp in the Netherlands, with growth opportunities presented subsequently.

NEWBURY PARK, CA — MAY 8, 2024 /SPORTSWIRE WOMEN/ – Liv Cycling, the company dedicated to getting more women and girls on bikes, today announces a significant new opportunity for young, developing road cyclists, in partnership with the Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s Continental Team. Together they welcome four exceptional international guest cyclists to the new Grassroots Programme, a training camp in the Netherlands held May 9-15. Here, the young female talents will receive the same coaching and support as the pros, opening doors to a potential professional cycling career.

The four attending riders are Gabriela López (Colombia, 21), Lotte Borremans (Finland, 15), Niamh Murphy (United Kingdom, 18) and Malou Eisen (Netherlands, 24). Liv Cycling markets around the world suggested ambitious talent from their extensive networks to Liv AlUla Jayco, sharing their profiles and physical data with the team coaches and trainers. These four athletes were selected from a larger list of submissions, due to their measured skill and potential. During their stay in the Netherlands, the four selected riders will attend a training camp much like pros would participate in. The programme includes workshops on equipment and nutrition, endurance training and recovery rides. They will also undergo power profile tests, giving the coaches an even better impression of what the four are physically capable of.

“We know that as athletes are developing and growing their skillset, they excel tenfold with the support of coaches and trainers,” said Phoebe Liu, Giant Group Chief Branding Officer. “Despite how essential this is for aspiring professional cyclists, it’s often unavailable due to location and cost. It is important to Liv to lower these barriers, which is why we launched the Grassroots Programme for young women with Liv AlUla Jayco’s Continental Team. After this inaugural year, we will continue to promote and grow this program, providing more women around the world support in their growth into professional racing.”

Opportunities for aspiring professional athletes aren’t readily available in many parts of the world, even less so for young women and girls. While the UK and the Netherlands are well represented across the pro-peloton, athletes from Colombia and Finland are much less common in professional cycling. For this reason, Liv Cycling and the coaches and trainers were thrilled to see such promising talent submitted from these areas.

“Our vision for the future of women’s elite cycling includes talent from all over the world”, said Cassondra Spring, Liv Cycling Global Brand Manager. “The Grassroots Programme brings forth a new opportunity to recognize emerging competitive racers, by way of our trusted partners championing young women from their communities. We’re thrilled to offer a week-long training camp that will incorporate education, mentorship and evaluation services that will enhance young riders’ pursuit of professional racing.”

Eric van den Boom, General Manager of the Liv AlUla Jayco Continental Team, has also been excitedly preparing for the Grassroots Programme. This initiative serves as a valuable addition to the comprehensive ecosystem that GreenEDGE Cycling has fostered within women’s cycling, most notably in developing talents and potential even further.

“We were keen to put more focus on scouting within the overall system,” said van den Boom. “With the Grassroots Programme, we are creating a professional platform where women from all over the world get the chance to put themselves in the spotlight. As Liv Cycling is active worldwide, we reach even more women through our cooperation, also in countries that traditionally do not have a cycling culture. This fits very well with our common goal of making women’s cycling accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.”

After the training camp concludes, Liv Cycling and Liv AlUla Jayco’s Continental Team will share out the experiences of the four riders and provide any notable emerging opportunities.

About Liv Cycling

Liv is the only comprehensive cycling brand in the world dedicated solely to women. Founded in 2008 by Giant executive Bonnie Tu as part of the Giant Group, Liv creates innovative bicycles and gear to fit and perform at the highest level. Liv aims to empower all riders from beginners to pros. With a global team of retailers, athletes and events, plus a growing online presence focused on riding skills, bike maintenance, nutrition, travel, and other experiences – Liv strives to build community and be the number one resource for women cyclists around the world. Learn more at liv-cycling.com.

Media Contact:

Mackenzie Lynch, InGoodTaste

liv@igtstudio.com