Chris Winn – Nature Valley Pro Rider Turned Pro
June 12, 2011There are definitive moments in life where you take a bigger step towards your goals than others. For very many years the goal for myself was, like many other aspiring cyclists out there, was to turn professional.
Since landing in the USA from Australia and switching from mountain bike to road, the Nature Valley Grand Prix has played that role in propelling me forward to the next level. In 2009, I was riding for a tiny amateur team based out of Colorado when I first heard of the Nature Valley Pro Ride. Here was a chance to gain entry and support into an otherwise invitational National level race, not to mention stand out from the crowd whilst there.
The concept appealed to me instantly, and at that moment all time was spent in making this opportunity my own. Dragging just one team mate and a super supportive girlfriend on a 13hr drive to Hillsboro, Illinois, the qualifying race went to plan, and soon enough I was on my way to Minnesota to line up at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
Chris Winn of Fly V Australia pro cycling team
The Pro Ride experience was just awesome. To have full support each day of the race with mechanics, transport and staff available made life a ton easier, where focusing solely on the race each day became the most important thing.
With modest results that year but also learning a great deal, in 2010 I returned hungry to take home the Nature Valley Top Amateur award, a prize for the first rider overall who was not a professional. It wasn’t until the final day of the 5 day event that I was able to secure that coveted green jersey and achieve a season long goal. Winning such a prize no doubt helped put my name on the radar and at the end of the season I signed my first professional contract with the number one ranked team in the USA; V Australia.
So far 2011 has been a fantastic year, with the first time in my career cycling is my sole full time job. I truly believe the Nature Valley Pro Ride is one of the most excited and fun initiatives in the world of bicycle racing, and commend all those involved in making it happen!
