2 Tour de Murrieta Cyclists Qualify for Elite Team

Two Tour de Murrieta competitors qualified for spots on the 12-person Nature Valley Cycling Team, it was recently announced.

Trina Jacobson, of San Diego, placed highest among women in the Murrieta race, and Connor McCutcheon, of Big Bear Lake, highest among men. The Murrieta race——was one of six qualifying races for the 2012 Nature Valley Grand Prix, slated for June 12-17 in Minnesota, according to a news release.

“The Nature Valley Pro Chase has been a ticket to the professional ranks for a number of amateur riders,” said Nature Valley Cycling Team head coach Michael Engleman, a former pro himself. “Current pros who came through this program include Jade Wilcoxson (and) Anna Barensfeld (both Optum Pro Cycling), and Alison Tetrick Starnes (Exergy Twenty12).”

McCutcheon and Jacobson, both elite amateur bicycle racers, were looking forward to the challenge. There are three criteriums to the Grand Prix.

Jacobson, who took a sabbatical from cycling when she became a new mother, said she is more motivated than ever to ramp up her road racing skills in preparation. 

“It will be a learning experience to ride with the pros, but I hope to place well in the criteriums,” Jacobson said, in the news release. 

McCutcheon, a high school cross country runner, tried cycling as a cross-training tool, and quickly left the running shoes behind.

“This a great opportunity for an unknown like myself, and I’m super stoked,” said McCutcheon, who is also a veteran snow skier.

The pair will be joined on the team by the winners of five other qualifying races, which include: the Jefferson Cup, April 1, in Charlottesville, Va.; RBC Tour de Moore, April 28 in Raleigh, N.C.; Superior Morgul Classic, May 18-20 in Boulder, Colo.; San Jose Omnium, May 27-28 in San Jose, Calif.; and the Memorial Weekend Omnium, May 26-28 in Quad Cities, Iowa/Ill.

Nature Valley Cycling Team members receive travel stipends, housing, team clothing, ground transportation, a pre-race training camp and staff support for their composite teams, the news release stated. They also receive recognition before, during and after the events, including call-ups and promotional appearances.

Riders selected during the Nature Valley Pro Chase will be documenting their preparation and experiences at the Nature Valley Grand Prix through blogs and video galleries at Naturevalleyprochase.com. 

Ernie Sanchez, Tour de Murrieta technical director and founder, said he plans to follow the progress of both local racers.

"Although the Tour de Murrieta is officially over for 2012, locals such as me will be able to continue to follow the preparation of our event's two standouts, Connor and Trina, as they continue their 'American Idol' of cycling quest!" Sanchez said.

"They are two California cyclists who are very deserving of their selection to race at the Nature Valley Grand Prix and they will represent the Tour de Murrieta race in a fine manner."