About Me
Early days
Born in Chicago, Janel grew up near Albany, NY as an athletic, adventurous, outdoorsy, studious, musical kid, who was highly motivated to keep up with her older sister and brother in all aspects of life. Running and spending time in the mountains were constants.
While finishing up grad school and teaching high school full-time in San Diego, CA, Janel bought her first road bike in 2006. At first, she participated in Team In Training, but soon Janel’s competitive side surfaced, and she turned her ambitions to road racing. She began working with coach Dr. Arnie Baker and entered her first race in January 2007. Janel, Arnie & road racing proved to be the perfect fit.
Pro Career
Janel turned professional the next year, racing in the US and Europe from 2008-2015 for the US National Team, Webcor Builders, Colavita Forno-d'Asolo, and Optum Pro Cycling. Janel was at her best when the road turned up, but was no slouch in the time trials - a combination that made her a favorite in the hardest US stage races.
Janel rode a breakout season in 2011 winning the Joe Martin Stage Race, Tour de Toona, and the Cascade Cycling Classic. Thanks to her consistency, Janel finished the season by winning the NRC (National Racing Calendar) individual title.
Janel’s 2013 season was highlighted by a solo stage win at the Tour of Gila, finishing 2nd the following day in the time trial, and third overall. She was also a key member of the US team that brought home overall victory from the women's Giro d'Italia. For Janel, though, all the podium results were overshadowed by participating in the Team Time Trial at the World Championships in Florence 2013 and Ponferrada 2014 with her Optum teammates. Other career highlights include being named to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Long Team.
Lifelong Pro Leisure Athlete
Since retiring in 2015, Janel has directed her efforts toward coaching, leading cycling camps and clinics, race commentary, and staying active in the cycling community. In 2017, Janel dabbled in gravel and won Crusher in the Tushar and placed 3rd at Dirty Kanza 200 (now Unbound Gravel). She continues to ride her Liv road, gravel and mountain bikes, from her home in Bend, OR as an ambassador for Liv Cycling.
In addition to her cycling successes, Janel has a degree in chemical engineering from RPI and a master’s in education from the University of San Diego. Before turning bike racer, she taught high school math, physics and chemistry in San Diego, and recently started shaking up the startup world as Head of BD at early-stage VC, Hustle Fund. Above all, Janel enjoys spending time with loved ones and living life to the fullest: riding, running, skiing, climbing, backpacking, or adventuring of any kind.
Contact
Interested in bringing Janel to your event as a speaker, commentator, coach, or ambassador of fun? Please get in touch!
