Promising American star Natalie Quinn will turn professional next season after securing a contract with the EF Education-Cannondale squad. Quinn, who won the U23 road race title in Knoxville earlier this year, is the 15th rider signed to the new American Continental squad.
"When I first heard from Esra, it almost seemed too good to be true," Quinn said. "Then I talked with DS from my current team, and then my personal coach and it began to sink in that this was real and I started getting really excited. This roster has some pretty amazing people that I’ve watched race and it’s super exciting that I will be working with them this year."
"I’ve followed EF Pro Cycling for a long time, and I’ve really enjoyed being a fan. I also love Cannondale bikes and being on an American team as an American is really awesome. I think it’s really great that the women’s and men’s teams are among the few American teams still going so it’s exciting to get to be part of this."
EF Education-Cannondale will provide Quinn with an opportunity to refine her talents. "I’m figuring it out a little bit. I love cobbles and punchy climbs. I consider myself a really solid descender and technical handler. But what I’ve found out about myself is that I’m pretty aggressive and I’m not afraid to take risks. I’m not afraid to chase down attacks or to go on the attack myself. I’m not afraid to get into a breakaway and then go as far as I can with it," Quinn said.