Baobao Zhang, an assistant professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and an avid Gravel cyclist, combined a timeless classic look with a modern twist to create a fantastic design for this year's member kit.
- Can you tell us about yourself?
I am an assistant professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where I teach and research technology policy. Outside of work, I enjoy gravel cycling in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.
- How did your passion for cycling come about?
Fun fact about me: I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was 16! During the pandemic, I started cycling as a way to commute to work. Then I began to do gravel cycling recreationally. Last summer, I completed my first century doing the Harriet Tubman Freedom Ride, a fantastic cycling event founded by the Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago. This summer, I'm hoping to complete a big section of the Empire State Trail, which is the longest multi-use trail in the US.
- What inspired your jersey design?
I wanted to design a jersey that has a classic design but looks dynamic. We have seen a move toward minimalist jersey design in recent years. But I thought this jersey needed a splash of liveliness. I'd like to thank my friend Ben for giving me lots of feedback while I was designing the jersey.
- Who is your cycling role model and why?
My cycling role model is Shayna Powless, who currently rides for the Legion of Los Angeles. She's not only an amazing athlete but also has done much advocacy through the Dream Catcher Foundation, which she co-founded. Powless, a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, has done great work to raise awareness of violence against Indigenous women and girls across North America.
"With membership, one common bond cyclists have is community. The Fan Jersey Design contest enabled a fun way to engage the USA Cycling fan and member base, empowering them to put forward their vision of a Fan Jersey. Our community rallied together with an overwhelming amount of votes for all of our final 4 contestants. We couldn't be more thrilled with all the submissions entered, congratulations to Baobao and her amazing jersey," said Eric Bennett, Director of Membership at USA Cycling.
