What is LA Sweat Devo?

Introducing the LA Sweat Junior development team. A team-based not only in on-bike racing development but also off the bike, providing one on one mentorship in all aspects of a teenage girl's life.

“Having a junior team was always a goal. This year it all just worked and we, as a team, have put together something that we can only hope continues to grow.” - Kelli Sam, Team Owner

With a motto of getting more women and girls on bikes, it only seems fitting to have a junior team. And this story is about that.

Based in the Southside of Chicago, these 3 young riders will be given all the equipment and opportunity necessary to be successful in the sport of American Crit racing. Makyah, Symone, and Imogen just started their journey into bike racing, having been members of their community bike program for years they had hoped to have their first cross season in 2020 but when it was clear that wouldn’t happen due to the ongoing COVID Pandemic the opportunity to get them going for road season was a no brainer.

Ages 13-15 these three are definitely busy with school, dance, music, cross country, violin… and so much more. Their dedication to this is inspiring. Teenagers are really busier than most adults. Throughout the year we want you all to follow along with them as they train, race, and grow as young adults. Join us in supporting them as they embark on their first year of racing!

Their first official race will be the Intelligentsia Cup in their hometown of Chicago. Until then they will be training, doing skills clinics, and getting comfortable on their new bikes.

How it started…

In late spring the riders finally got to receive their equipment and have a full-on bike Christmas.

We started with unpacking, getting familiar, and learning about all the equipment. and then we hit the park for some solid skills training. And in true Chicago fashion, it was cold but that didn’t stop us from learning how to clip in, bump elbows, and dial in the fits.