Austin’s Reflections of Tour of America’s Dairyland (ToAD)
Written by Austin Killips
A race series to remember
Tour of America's Dairyland was a block of racing that seemed to hit every possible note and feeling over the course of two weeks. Even when you're not in the midst of an intense high or low odds are someone on your team or in your orbit is. The experience is a physical and emotional rollercoaster.
Race day support
One of the key takeaways that stuck with me after racing the Tour of America's Dairyland with STKD! is what a difference it makes to race with the support and infrastructure of a team and how that support system can and should extend beyond just teammates.
Our manager showed up everyday to ensure that there was a tent setup with all the resources we needed to succeed. We had food, tools, water, ice socks and an endless amount of emotional support for the pre race jitters and post race feels.
I'm grateful for all the work STKD! has done to get our team equipment, sponsors, and much needed financial support but there was something particularly special about Day 1 when I rolled up to the race after a long workday and saw that all I needed to do was warmup and perform on the course. To lift the burden and added stress of coordinating logistics is such a vital part of setting athletes up for success and STKD! is delivering on that.
The power and value of creating a safe, inclusive space
The team didn't just do it for our racers, they held a space for privateers and athletes there without the full presence of their team. As the series progressed our tent space became a place where people who are underrepresented in sport, trans and queer folks, the BIPOC women racing with Thee Abundance Summit and many other friendly faces seemed to find comfort and solace.
This kind of attitude is how we grow cycling and build it into a sport that welcomes and empowers everyone.
My time at ToAD set a precedent for what a "team tent" should be, it's not an exclusive place for people wearing the same colors. It's a hub where kindred spirits can connect, feel safe, and have space to feel all off the feelings that bike racing brings up.