“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17
Shannon Koch
We’re proud to announce Shannon Koch returning to Kingdom Elite Racing for 2026.
Currently based in Daytona Beach, FL and originally from Texas, Shannon has been racing since 2001—first hopping on a bike at just 14. Introduced to cycling by her dad, a fellow cyclist and track racer, what began as a shared love for the sport quickly became a lifelong pursuit. After a seven-year hiatus, Shannon returned with renewed purpose and a hunger to unlock her full potential as an athlete. By her own admission, there’s still more to tap into—so she’s not done yet.
What Shannon loves most about racing is being a decisive force in the race itself: dictating the when and how, reading ever-changing tactical situations, and shaping outcomes from the front. This season marked a major breakthrough. After years of being told she “wasn’t a crit racer,” she attacked that weakness head-on—finishing the year with 3 national crit wins and a 2nd at her favorite race, The Hill.
With a background in basketball, volleyball, and track & field, Shannon brings grit and a team-first mentality into 2026. She’s eager to line up with a squad fully committed to one another while sharing her love for Christ from city to city—witnessing the impact faith can have beyond racing.
Shannon believes deeply in this team’s mission - one that transcends results. Riding with purpose matters most, and for her, there is no greater purpose than spreading the gospel and sharing her faith. Combined with Kingdom Elite’s bold, aggressive racing style, that’s what truly sets this team apart.
2026 Goals
• Personal: Pro Crit Nationals & a possible return to her roots at Track Nationals
• Team: Build on last year’s 8 wins, chasing more victories and podiums across USA CRITS & the ACC
Fun fact: Shannon is the oldest of a “reverse Brady Bunch”—2 sisters, 3 stepbrothers, and 9 nieces and nephews (with #10 on the way!).
Current favorite scripture:
Galatians 2:20 — “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Heidy Praderas
Welcome back, Heidy! Tampa-based and Cuban-born, has been racing since she was just 15 - pulled in by friends, fueled by adrenaline, and driven by one thing: winning.
In 2025, Heidy proved exactly who she is in the peloton with numerous podiums at USA Crits races, showing up again and again as an absolute relentless fighter and superb teammate. She races with grit, confidence, and the same fire she has off the bike - never backing down, always in the mix.
As a former volleyball player, Heidy brings her strength and competitive nature to every start line. Her accolades include Caribbean Champion, Central American U23 Bronze Medalist, and her hunger for more has only grown since first joining the team.
For 2026, she's excited to line up with a team that truly knows each other, races as one, and keeps raising the bar. Kingdom Elite is more than a team to Heidy (we feel the same)-it's family that supports one another.
Goals for the season? Simple: win
Fun fact: she makes really good coffee (We can attest to that)
Current favorite scripture: Psalm 91 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust..."
Aylena Quevedo
We’re excited to announce the return of Aylena Quevedo your 2025 USA Crits overall champion to Kingdom Elite Racing for the 2026 season.
Born in Cuba and now based in Lehigh Acres, FL, Aylena has been racing since she was 11 years old — first pushed into the sport by friends, then fueled by the joy of racing, big goals, and the unmatched adrenaline of every start line.
Her journey spans competing internationally with the Cuban National Team, reinventing herself in the U.S. crit scene, and making her mark by winning USA CRITS in her very first year.
Favorites on the calendar? Athens and Spartanburg — the loud, fast nights where she thrives.
For 2026, she’s fired up to dive into a full race calendar and return to a team that feels like family. Her goals this season: enjoy every race, keep growing, and give the absolute best of herself to her teammates.
Fun fact: She started playing Pickleball this year… and says she definitely needs to level up.
Current favorite scripture: Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous…”
Izzie Harden
We’re fired up to welcome Izzie Harden to the Kingdom Elite Racing family!
Currently calling Senoia, GA home and originally from Greenville, SC, Izzie has been racing since 2011 and her journey into cycling is nothing short of powerful. What began as rehab from a broken femur turned into a lifelong passion. She fell in love with the freedom of the bike, the adrenaline of racing, and she's been hooked ever since.
A former soccer player, Izzie thrives on the tactical side of racing. She loves that no race is ever the same, that you're constantly calculating your next move and reading the riders around you to anticipate what comes next. But her proudest achievement isn't a podium result, it's inspiring the next generation, recalling a moment when she met two young girls who told her she motivated them to get on a bike and race.It's what this sport is truly about.
Looking ahead to 2026, Izzie is excited to experience new races, continue growing as both a rider and a person, inspire young athletes, win races, and have the most fun doing it. As an aggressive racer, she was drawn to Kingdom Elite's fearless approach to racing saying "they aren't afraid to throw attacks and make races hard, something we don't see much anymore and it shows the pure athleticism and they all have."
Fun fact about Izzie, she's is a dual citizen!
Her current favorite scripture verse: Romans 8:18 - " The pain you feel now can't compare to the glory that is to come."
Liza Ray
Meet Liza Ray, the newest addition to Kingdom Elite Racing for 2026.
From St. Petersburg, Russia to Brooklyn, NY, Liza's cycling journey began in 2024 in the massive & electric group-ride scene of Miami, where transitioning from just riding bikes to racing was a no brainer.
What drives her? A love for the support of the cycling community, the thrill of conquering fear on the start line, and the fire that pushed her through Unbound 200 - her proudest achievement so far.
As a former rower, Liza is stepping into her first full season racing with a team, excited for a fully stacked calendar and the chance to prove herself as a reliable, trustworthy teammate.
She was drawn to Kingdom Elite Racing for its history of bold, dynamic women - and the opportunity to be a part of that legacy!
Her goals for 2026: Race with heart. Worry less. Give more. Believe in the team.
Fun fact about Liza: She has a very hard time throwing away jars, tins, or boxes because "they might be useful one day." - Relatable? Extremely.
Current favorite scripture: Ephesians 4:2 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Julianna Rutecki
Born and raised in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Julianna has been racing bikes since 2019. She got her start in cycling through triathlon, following in her dad's footsteps, before jumping into local races and quickly falling in love with the sport.
What keeps her motivated? Her love for cycling, the friends she's made, and the experiences that come with racing. Julianna thrives on competition, challenge, and strategy, and it shows-she's a back-to-back PA State Crit Champion.
With a background in triathlon and swimming, she brings both endurance and race IQ to the peloton.
Looking ahead to 2026, Julianna is most excited to be lining up with her new teammates, racing more national-level events, and continuing to learn and grow as a rider on both the road and track-with her eyes set on US Track Nationals.
Her team goals are simple and powerful: help her teammates in every way possible so the team can achieve the best results in every race.
She chose Kingdom Elite Racing for our strong reputation and aggressive racing style, and we couldn't be more excited to have her joining our squad of power house women.
Fun fact: Julianna is secretly a trouble maker kidding.....but she did once get pulled over for drafting a cop car!
Her current favorite scripture verse is Philippians 4:13 - "| can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Janelly Prieto
Janelly was born & raised in Miami & now lives in Coral Gables, FL. She has been racing since 2013 when she started racing at Brian Piccolo velodrome, where it all began. What she loves most about racing is the focus and energy, being able to see things in slow motion, while simultaneously time is sped up.
When we asked what her thoughts were on racing with Kingdom Elite Racing for 2025 she told us "I am very excited for a new experience and racing alongside a team after many years of racing alone. I look forward to the camaraderie and executing our strategies." Het goals for the 2025 season include "Taking it all in, learning, and continuing to love this sport deeper."
Her favorite race/course is ORAMM Kitsuma Peak switchbacks and the subsequent gnarly downhill. "This technical mountain bike trail was as much fun as it was suffering. Conquering it after it nearly ruined me with a pretty serious ankle injury was truly rewarding."
She'll never say no to a good Lavender Latte & some Frites (but not together)!
Her favorite scripture verse is Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Gabriella Dixon
Rich Perpinan
Rich is from Brooklyn, NY and now resides in Debary, FL. He has been racing since 1992. His favorite race/race course is Athens Twilight because "it is an amazing race venue. The entire community supports the event, parties alongside the riders and that creates an energy that is second to none."
What he loves about cycling is “the chess match that we engage in as we try to captain our team over the competition.” His favorite pro cyclist is Alejandro Valverde.
Rich’s goals for the season are “helping my teammates on and off the bike, while remaining focused and keeping first things first. #ministry” His favorite non cycling things are engaging in conversations with strangers and discovering their passions.
A cause close to Rich's heart would be helping children "I have a soft spot for children that have been abused in any way shape or form."
His favorite scripture verse is: Isaiah 6:8 — "And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me."
Pedro Medina
Pedro is from Cuba and now resides in Orlando, FL. He has been racing since 1987. His favorite race/race course is Real Campeones because "la dureza del terreno."
What he loves about cycling is “the competition.” His favorite pro cyclist is Alejandro Valverde.
Pedro’s goals for the season are “to try and stay healthy throughout the year.” His favorite non cycling thing to do is vacation with the family at the beach.
A cause close to Pedro's heart is raising awareness and fighting child poverty.
His favorite scripture verse is: Philippians 4:13 — "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Jim Rufrano
Jim is from Orlando, FL and now resides in Mount Dora, FL. He has been racing since 2020. His favorite race/race course is Pinellas Park because "it is flat and fast!"
What he loves about cycling is “being able to stay competitive, as we still continue to grow older.”
Jim’s goals for the season are “to improve spiritual fitness and physical fitness.” His favorite non cycling thing to do is offshore fishing.
A cause close to Jim's heart is raising awareness and support for Alzheimer's research.
His favorite scripture verse is: Psalm 23:2-3 — "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake."
Lionel Rodriguez
Lionel is from Puerto Rico and now resides in Miami, FL. He has been racing since 1983. His favorite race/race course is Clasica Puerto Rico "because of its amazing international competition."
What he loves about cycling is “the friendships and team camaraderie.” His favorite pro cyclist is Wout Van Aert.
Lionel's goals for the season are “to gain the confidence and fitness necessary to win a race solo.” His favorite non cycling thing is photography!
Jairo Castro
Jairo is from Pereira, Colombia and now resides in Orlando, FL. He has been racing since 1985. His favorite race/race course is Ice Cream Hill Road Race because "it has punchy climbs."
What he loves about cycling is “la aventura como equipo y las amistades.” His favorite pro cyclists are Vanderpol & Pogacar.
Jairo’s goals for the season are “disfrutar todo el año con mis amigos.” His favorite non cycling thing is spending time with his family.
A cause close to Jairo's heart is "ayudar a toda persona en necesidad."
His favorite scripture verse is: Psalm 1:1 — "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
Roddy Colon
Roddy (aka the Rhino) is from Puerto Rico and now resides in Miami, FL. He has been racing since 1983. His favorite race/race course is the old Lake Mary Crit because of "the wide open road and speed. Also Dade City Crit, the number of turns just makes it unique. And new favorite, "Choli" crit in Puerto Rico."
What he loves about cycling is “it is my connection to great memories, is also keeps me grounded in the present and optimistic for the future.” His favorite pro cyclists are currently, Remco Evenepol, and of all time, Mario Cipollini.
Roddy’s goals for the season are “to stay healthy, motivated and helping the team deliver as many wins as possible. Personal goals are to secure a podium spot in La Clasica Master Puerto Rico.” His favorite non cycling things are mens wear, photography, interior design & decor.
A cause close to Roddy's heart is "St Jude Children's Hospital and Alzheimer's research & prevention."
His favorite scripture verse is: Philippians 3:13-14 — "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."