Shoshauna Routley on going pro with her new team, BMW presented by Happy Tooth Dental Group

Shoshauna Routley had given herself an ultimatum for 2015. “I told myself that it was all or nothing,” she said. “If I didn’t go pro, then it was time to let go.”

While Routley’s form improved throughout the past two years and she racked up some good results, she found it hard to get a break into the pro ranks. One challenge she found was her limited experience with international races and USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar (NRC). During that time, however, she was in contact with Jono Coulter, who is now the director of the new BMW presented by Happy Tooth Dental Group.

“I had been communicating with Jono during the last three years, keeping him up to date with my progress,” Routley said. “I’m thankful for Jono, because like me, he believes that I will continue to progress.” That confidence in Routley became public on Monday when BMW presented by Happy Tooth Dental Group’s 2015 roster was announced. Routley and two other Canadians, Rhae Shaw and Megan Rathwell, had made the team.

But new success brings new challenges. “The calendar is going to be a lot heavier than I’m used to, but I am very excited for it,” Routley said. “There will be a lot more opportunities to achieve bigger results. One of my goals for this year is to podium at the Gatineau GP.”

Routley likely won’t know her full 2015 schedule until the team camp, which will run from March 2 to 8 in Northern California. The team will target such races as the Redlands Bicycle Classic, Joe Martin Stage Race and Philly Cycling Classic, all part of the NRC. On Friday, the team announced that it had received an invite to the Women’s Tour of California, a four-stage event that coincides with the eight-stage men’s race. That day, the men’s teams were also announced, which include Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies, the team of Shoshauna’s husband, Will Routley. In 2014, he took the king of the mountains jersey and a win on the fourth stage of the ToA. In 2015, both riders could find themselves at the same race. There could be others this season as well.

“Will and I could possibly be racing Redlands, Joe Martin, California and Philly together, to list a few,” Shoshauna said. “We don’t see a lot of each other at the races, but it’s nice to steal the occasional kiss. Right now we are training in Southern California together, escaping the cold, rainy weather of B.C. We both love riding our bikes in California.”

Shoshauna credits both her husband and her development team for the support that got her to a pro team. The move to BMW presented by Happy Tooth Dental Group means leaving Trek Red Truck. her former B.C.-based squad. “They supported me for a number of years and put together an amazing program,” she said. “They are an incredible group of passionate and motivated people that have made a positive impact on cycling in B.C. and Canada. I will always be thankful.”