By Amber Plumer 05.02.2014

As the Milligan cycling team season comes to an end, the cyclists reminisced over their past season and look toward the future.

 

Senior Kelly Chism has raced for three years and has seen “the team grow beyond what I thought was possible.” When she started, the team had seven members.

 

“Zach Nave has started recruiting all kinds of nationally known racers,” said Chism. “Some racers are even from different countries.”

 

During this season, the small team formed a tighter bond. Chism believed they “founded a very strong, Christian base for the team and the upcoming racers.”

 

Coach Zack Nave believed next year’s team has a realistic chance of winning the Roadrace Nationals. The team will have 18-22 riders next season, with six returning cyclists.

 

Nave has recruited several foreign cyclists. The women’s team will include a professional cyclist from Australia, a cyclist on the French National team, a cyclist on the USA National team, who has raced in several world championships and a cyclist from Chattanooga.

 

The men’s team will include a cyclist on the USA National team who recently returned from racing overseas, a cyclist from Asheville who also races overseas and freshman cyclist Nolan Tankersley’s brother, Conner, who has competed for several years.

 

Tankersley expects “big things out of the team” next season.

 

“We have a stacked women’s team that is top notch at the national level,” said Tankersley. “The guys’ team has a well-rounded roster that will give us a good shot for a national title.”

 

As the team has received more national-level attention, more cyclists have approached Nave about Milligan’s program.

 

With collegiate cycling still growing, it is important for Milligan to stay ahead of the curve. Milligan’s cycling team is one of only 13 colleges and universities that is recognized and sanctioned by USA Cycling.

 

The 2013-2014 Milligan cycling team will end their season this weekend at Nationals, May 2-4 in Richmond, Virginia.