A young talent and experienced rider head to American team
High Road Sports announced the signing of two riders for the women’s squad for the 2011 season in Amber Neben and Amanda Miller. Miller is a young talent who has raced for Team TIBCO this season. Neben, the 2008 time trial World Champion, moves over from the Webcor Builders Cycling Team.
For Neben, it is a return to the international scene. “I am really excited to be joining the team,” Neben said. “The roster is loaded with two of the greatest in the history of the sport. It will be an honor to race with them. It will also be exciting for me to work with the young, talented group that completes the team.”
Neben rode with the T-Mobile team in 2003 and 2004, which is the predecessor team of High Road Sports. She values the perfect infrastructure. “In addition to the riders, High Road has a great staff and use top-of-the-line equipment. It is a very professional environment. I am looking forward to the new opportunities and challenges to come.”
Miller turned pro in 2010, winning Tulsa Tough criterium as well as the 12 percent cobbled climb at Iowa’s Snake Alley. She also was first across the line in the Sea Otter criterium race and took the 2009 Valley of the Sun stage race overall. “Amanda shows great promise as a talented young rider,” said Sports Director Ronny Lauke. “She’s one of the top American female cyclists, and her talents and attitude fit beautifully within our team.”
Lauke also emphasized why 35-year-old Neben will be an invaluable part of the team in the current 11-women lineup. “Adding Neben is also perfect. She has a world of experience and clearly strengthens our time trial and stage race capabilities.”
For Miller it is another step up in a fast moving career. “I am excited to be a part of the best team in the world and looking forward to helping make it another successful year,” said Miller. “It’s going to be fantastic to challenge myself and see what I can do to be a part of the team’s success in the coming years.”
Neben’s list of successes also include the 2003 US National Championships road race, a back-to-back victory at the Tour de l’Aude (2005 and 2006) and the 2006 Pan American Cycling Championships Time Trial win. She also has numerous podium spots in US National road race and time trial events.
Neben also raced internationally for Team Flexpoint (2005-2008) and Team Nürnberger (2009).