Jake Rytlewski

Age: 31
Height: 5′ 10″ or 178 cm
Hometown: Bay City, Michigan United States
Favourite style of race: Hilly / Mountain Road Races
Major goal for 2014: Top 10 USPRO Road Race

You’re notorious in the peloton for your ability to ride as hard as you can, all day. Do you ever take cafe stops?
Not unless it’s before or after the ride!

The experience you’ve gained and the results you’ve had along the way are both invaluable and incredible. If you changed one thing about how you got to this point, what would it be?
I can’t complain at all about the position I am in. I’ve gotten to do everything I could have asked to do. I worked hard and did everything I could to get it. If there was anything it would be to listen more too some more experienced and older teammates I had along the way. Success can easily go to your head, but there are always things to learn and questions to ask. I’ve had some amazing teammates through the years and I want to pass on things I have learned now.

Behind every great man, is a fantastic family. Tell us about them…
It begins with my parents. They supported me and spent plenty of money on me to be a cyclist even though I wasn’t able to finish races as a junior. But I improved and they sent me to college where I was able to get an education and continue as a cyclist with the Marian Knights. There I met my wife who couldn’t be any more supportive or loving. She let me continue with my dream of being a pro cyclist even though I wasn’t making very much money. She continues to let me race and travel while she works and takes care of our beautiful daughter, Madelyn.

What made you choose the Litespeed frame you’re going to ride?
I wanted the T1, but everyone else must have as well as they are out of stock! Arguably one of my best seasons racing was on a Ti Bike. I was looking forward to having an awesome race bike that would last a lifetime. Instead I went with the L1R. I’m looking forward to the light weight frame helping me to a top 10 at the USPRO Championships and hopefully some wins at Colorado hill climbs.

Now, the lucky football and drumsticks that come to every race. Do they still possess their magic?
Of course! I take the football everywhere. It currently is at my desk at work, and of course will hit the road with me once the season starts.

Note to the team: “Jake has an easy going personality but is driven to be his best possible self on race day. He has a big engine and a day in the break or at the very front of the toughest races see him thrive. However, don’t be caught dropping his lucky football on the tarmac…”