Team Vera Bradley Foundation
Photo Credit ©Brian Hodes/Velo Images
Team Vera Bradley Racing for a Cause
Eleven powerful women are bringing new meaning to the words “Loves Me …” in 2010. Team Vera Bradley Foundation is a professional women's cycling team with a dual purpose – to ride their best and to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. This year, as they cycle to the top of the standings, our new friends will raise funds for the Vera Bradley Foundation for breast cancer. Each team member will host her own fundraiser. With these and contributions from their winnings, and partnering sponsor companies, the team has pledged a minimum donation of $22,500 by the end of their season to the Vera Bradley Foundation. Says team owner/director Lisa Hunt: “I know we'll exceed that goal. Give these women a goal, and they'll surpass it!”
Team Bios
Erica Nicole Allar - Sprinter
Why I raise funds for the Foundation: My mom's best friend battled breast cancer.
What I enjoy most about riding is being outdoors and the connection I get with my bike, my environment, people and nature when venturing out on my bicycle. I also love the athletic and physical demands that the sport requires, but have a solid appreciation for the mental toughness it continue…
Carrie Cash - Criterium Specialist
I ride for the thrill accompanied by the beating of my heart as fear is looming and the moment becomes heightened by competition. The positive panic sets in and then I remember… I am alive. I enjoy full on criterium practice (shorter races without letting anyone lap you) with the guys; it's good for the ego and the competitive edge! If you're a beginning rider, just remember continue…
Robin Farina - Team Captain
Why I raise funds for the Foundation: My close friend's mother died from breast cancer.
I'm a professional bike racer. I have been working diligently to promote health and wellness through cycling in the Charlotte-area for several years now. I opened up my own bike shop, training facility and coaching continue…
Leah Goldstein - Israeli National Road + Time Trial Champion
Why I raise funds for the Foundation: I don't know anyone who has had breast cancer. I feel lucky to be able to say that.
I have been racing for 13 years. What I love most about racing is the challenge – both mentally and physically. I enjoy long, hard mountainous rides. Aside from racing continue…
Lauren Tucker Hall - “First Year Pro”
I'm a Southern Belle turned Pro Cyclist! My family is my inspiration, especially my grandfather (he was a professional football player). Off the bike, my biggest accomplishment has been going to graduate school. I also frequently write for prettytough.com, a blog for women, by women, all written by female athletes.
Alison Powers - 2009 Overall NRC Winner; 2008 U.S. National Time Trial Champion
Why I raise funds for the Foundation: My mom's sister, Aunt Margaret, had breast cancer as well as my very good friend's mother.
I love exercise. I love breathing hard and having my legs burn. I love the sense of accomplishment after doing continue…
Alex Rhodes - Oceania Games TT Gold Medalist
Why I raise funds for the Foundation: The mom of my close mate in primary school and high school has been battling breast cancer since we were in school.
In addition to racing with Team Vera Bradley Foundation, I'm proud to represent my home country of Australia as part of the Australian National Team at races abroad. My little sister, Terri Rhodes, rides for an Australian-based pro mountain team that is raising funds for breast cancer, too.
Kristin Sanders - “Teammate Extraordinaire”
Biking is liberating. It's amazing the places my bike takes me! Also, the women I've met through cycling are unbelievable. I love sports and am a life-long athlete. I'm a marathon runner, elite triathlete, swimmer (Senior National Qualifier) and equestrian (two-time National Champion). The keys to my success have been continue…
Carla Swart - “Collegiate Superstar”
I was born in George, South Africa, and even though I live in North Carolina now, I still spend a lot of time there (I can't get enough of my favorite dishes “melkert” and “biltong”). I've always been an athlete. I'm in school now and am on the cross-country team. I love racing my bike – road, mountain, cross and track – every cycling discipline! continue…
Alison Testroete - Canadian National Road Champion
I love hearing stories of people defining their own success or overcoming their circumstances and living life through their own unique path. So much of what I've achieved is a direct result of other people's efforts, like puzzle pieces that create the big picture. The thought of something larger continue…
Lisa Hunt - Owner & Director
Why I raise funds for the Foundation: My cousin lost her life to breast cancer in 1987. She was 30 years old.
Support the Vera Bradley Foundation’s mission to fund research for a cure.