The Pony Shop Elite CX team started in 2017 as a platform to support and elevate local racers. Every year since, we’ve worked to build our momentum and grow into a team that provides opportunities to riders like us — the ones who came a bit later to cycling, balance racing and training and a few jobs, and are still hungry for the toughest competition at the highest level of the sport.
In 2019, we expanded to four riders split between Asheville, NC and Chicago, IL. For 2021 we’re growing again with a roster of six, and a vast depth of experience and knowledge to share.
Introducing the 2021 Pony Shop p/b KPMG Cyclocross Team
Returning for her third year with the team is Erica Zaveta. You probably know her because she hasn’t been off the first page of the results sheet in a decade. Don’t let her bubbly demeaner fool you, she’s a bonafide shredder on all things two wheeled. She also shreds piano and she’ll probably be writing songs about victory because she’s looking for the top step at ProCX races in 2021.
Andrew Giniat, a former rock climber, found cycling in college and never looked back. His competitive spirit and love of sport science is a dangerous mix. When he is not working at the bike shop or The RunnerBox, he can be found on the bike, in the lab, or reading exercise physiology texts. He also enjoys spending time with his cat, Morgan, rock climbing with friends, and hitting the local dirt jumps. His sights are set on the US world cups and podiums.
Rory Jack is our man of two first names and button-down shirts – you may also remember him busting his way to a few top-10 UCI finishes in 2019. The reigning Chicago, Illinois, and Midwest CX champ, Rory is no stranger to the race circuit, having honed his skills in Seattle before moving to Chicago. This year he hopes to take his experience from the beaches of Montrose to the sand pits of Belgium! When Rory isn’t out discovering new roads, he’s busy crafting, sewing, or woodworking.
Peter Swinand is our young gun, but with ten years of experience racing his way through the ranks of the Chicago cyclocross scene, he’s spent more time between the tape than many. Driven to continue climbing the ranks of Midwest racing, you’ll see him at the front of the field in Illinois, Ohio, and beyond. In his first season of UCI racing out of the Junior ranks, Peter is looking forward to continuing to refine his race craft and push his limits. Off course, you can find him playing guitar, at the dirt jumps, or cultivating the finest collections of memes.
Joining the team this year is Jeremy Bloyd-Peshkin, known in his hometown Chicago scene for his flowing locks and podium finishes. Jeremy always puts in 100% and it shows in his meteoric rise, from a beginner to cat 1 in only three cyclocross seasons! He looks forward to continuing to push his limits at UCI races this fall. When Jeremy is not turning everyone else’s legs inside out, he’s a fabulous baker, and makes some darn good scones.
Our final new teammate is Laura Alagna. She caught the cyclocross bug in 2016, and has since been steadily working her way up through the ranks. Addicted to the personal challenge and detail-oriented nature of the sport, Laura is looking forward to chasing bigger and tougher competition around the country this season. As a former librarian, you can often find her with Terry Gross in her ear, behind a book, or possibly both.
With the next season on the horizon, we’re thankful for the continuing support of our partners. Once again, Evanston’s The Pony Shop is our title sponsor, with KPMG presenting the team. Cannondale is keeping us flying on their fabulous SuperX bikes, which are kitted out by SRAM and ZIPP and rolling smooth on Enduro bearings and Donnelly tires. Cutaway USA is keeping us comfortable and making us look fly in their kits, while ABUS is protecting our heads. Without the combined effort of everyone who believes in us and our goals, none of this would be possible.
Pony Shop CX Team 