by Alicia Dana, CAF Women’s Adaptive Cycling Team Captain 

The Tour of America’s Dairyland (ToAD) isn’t just any cycling event—it’s the largest competitive road cycling series in the United States. For nearly two weeks, Milwaukee and its surrounding communities become a hub for elite cycling, featuring adrenaline-fueled races, massive crowds, and a vibrant festival atmosphere. 

For Team CAF Women’s Cycling, ToAD has become more than a race. It’s an opportunity to push limits, celebrate progress in women’s handcycling, and show what’s possible when athletes support one another. This year, four consecutive evenings of handcycling races (July 24–27) brought 24 competitors to the start line—remarkably, a third of them women, a rare and exciting sight in competitive handcycling. 

Preparing for the Challenge 

Traveling with handcycles is no small feat. Our team arrived days ahead of the races to reassemble equipment, review courses, and shake off travel fatigue. The humid Wisconsin summer air felt different from our usual training environments, requiring quick adaptation. 

Our team—a mix of seasoned riders and emerging talents—shared meals, last-minute adjustments, and encouragement. Strategy talks were casual but focused: pacing, drafting, and handling tight corners in city circuits. The camaraderie was palpable—we weren’t just individuals racing; we were a collective, racing for progress in visibility and representation. 

Night One – A Surprise at the Start 

The Otto Wenz Cafe Hollander Downer Classic kicked off our series under glowing streetlights and echoing cheers. Able-bodied cyclists had already electrified the course, and now it was our turn. 

Before the start, I received a special call-up to the line, recognizing my qualification for Tokyo. The announcer’s words and the roar of the crowd were unforgettable—a reminder of how far adaptive sports have come in gaining public recognition. 

The race was fast and chaotic, as criteriums tend to be. In tight packs, every corner and sprint mattered. Our team results: 

• Alicia – 4th overall 

• Ryen – 10th 

• Gabby – 11th 

• Danielle – 17th 

• Lera – 21st 

Afterwards, excitement turned to disappointment when we learned no women’s podium ceremony was planned. Watching the men receive their awards stung, but it sparked an important conversation with race organizers. By the next night, they committed to honoring women on the podium—an important step forward for visibility. 

Night Two – Finding Rhythm 

At the Shorewood Criterium Cycling Classic, we felt more settled. Danielle and Lera climbed the standings to 16th and 18th place, while the rest of us found consistency in our lap times and teamwork. 

With an official podium for women’s handcycling introduced, spirits lifted. The gesture wasn’t just symbolic—it meant that young women watching from the crowd could finally see adaptive female athletes recognized for their achievements. 

Night Three – A Crash and a Comeback 

The Highlands Criterium introduced drama early on. Mid-race, I collided with a handcycle that had stalled in the street, bending my rear wheel and seemingly ending my night. 

Carlos, one of our support crew, wouldn’t let me give up. He helped me back on course, and though I finished last, finishing at all felt like a small victory. 

Meanwhile, teammate Ryen Reed soared to first place, claiming the green and white leader’s jersey for the overall Women’s category. It was a highlight moment for our team, proving resilience could turn into triumph. 

Night Four – Technical Mastery and Team Growth 

The final event, Cafe Hollander Tosa Village Classic, was the most technically demanding. A steep climb tested endurance, while a fast descent and sharp corner demanded precision and nerves of steel. 

By now, our teamwork and racecraft had noticeably improved. Drafting lines were tighter, communication sharper. Even as exhaustion set in, we pushed harder than we had on night one. 

Final Omnium standings: 

• Ryen – 1st place 

• Alicia – 2nd place 

• Velette Britt (PVR) – 3rd place 

That night, over a shared dinner, we reflected not just on podiums and jerseys, but on how much stronger and more unified we’d become as a team. 

The Power of Support 

None of this would have been possible without Joaninha and Kathy, our indispensable support crew. From early mornings to late nights, they transported us, handled hydration and nutrition, assisted with handcycle transfers, and managed countless logistics. Their dedication allowed us to focus solely on racing. 

Moving Women’s Handcycling Forward 

This ToAD wasn’t just about competition—it was about breaking barriers. From demanding podium recognition to showcasing female participation, every lap moved women’s adaptive cycling forward. 

With growing visibility, future ToAD races and other major cycling events can continue offering equal recognition and opportunities for adaptive women athletes. 

Read more: Seeking Gold in Alabama Time Trials 

Learn more about the CAF Women’s Adaptive Cycling Team.