Ryan Anderson returns to Rally Cycling
For 2018, the rider from Spruce Grove will join the outfit he's called home on two previous occasions
Spruce Grove, Alta.’s Ryan Anderson is coming back to North American racing. He’ll be riding for Rally Cycling in 2018. It’s a bit of a homecoming as Anderson rode for Kelly Benefit Strategies in 2009 and 2010 as well as Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies from mid-2013 to 2015, both former incarnations of the team now known as Rally. In 2013 and 2014, Anderson was the top Canadian rider at the Tour of Alberta.
“I couldn’t be happier to rejoin this organization,” said Anderson. “The thing that I remember the most about Rally Cycling is the positive attitude throughout the whole organization. Starting with [managing director] Charles Aaron, I just remember how good the vibe is between everyone. From staff who are on the road, employees in the office, to all of the riders and partners—everyone enjoyed spending time together, which I think plays a big part in the team’s achievements.”
For the 2016 season, Anderson was the only anglophone on the French pro continental team Direct Energie, which took him to races such as the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and the Vuelta a España. He continued to ride for Direct Energie in 2017.
Formerly a UCI continental team, Rally has made the move up to pro continental for 2018, the same tier as Direct Energie.
Rally announced in October the signing Abby Mickey, Summer Moak and Heidi Franz to its women’s squad. At the same time, the men’s team took on U.S. sprinter Ty Magner.
Anderson adds to an already Canadian-heavy team. The Minneapolis, Minn.-based outfit includes Tour of Utah winner Rob Britton, 2016 Redlands winner Matteo Dal-Cin, Victoria’s Adam de Vos and sprinter Pierrick Naud.
Track riders Kristi Lay, who won her weight in maple syrup at the Appalachian Classic in 2017, and Allison Beveridge ride for Rally as well. Sara Poidevin of Calgary won the Colorado Classic with Rally this past year. Sara Bergen and Katherine Maine round out the Canucks on the road. Team staff includes Canadian national champion Zach Bell, Eric Wohlberg and Jacob Erker.
