U.S.-based DNA Pro Cycling, which last year topped the UCI Continental women's team in the Americas, will cease operations at the end of this season. Co-owners Katherine Feagan Kim and Alex Kim, who along with Lee Whaley are the team's representatives, announced earlier today that they are "retiring the program" after 12 years of operation.

In 2016, Vigit Dallas, an elite national team, merged with DNA Pro Cycling and moved to the continental level. Over the years as a professional women's team, more than 70 riders have competed in national and international races, according to the team statement. Most recently, the team has had Colombian national road time trial champion Diana Penuela (2022-2024), Mexican national time trial champion Annette Barrera (2022), Canadian national road criterium champion Maggie Coles-Leister (2022), the Canadian national road criterium champion.

"I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the past 12 years. We have always strived to provide the best support and opportunities for our riders to achieve their goals and grow as bike racers. This team has far exceeded our original goals and expectations," said team principal and co-owner Katherine Fegan Kim, who raced with the team through 2017.

This year, current team members Sarah Van Dam (Canada) and Olivia Cummins (USA) will represent their countries in the track events at the Paris Olympics, along with two alumni athletes, Coles-Leister (Canada) and Nicole Shields (New Zealand). [DNA has become like a second home to me over the past two years. Without the constant support from the team staff and athletes, I would not be the person and athlete I am today. Although I had to leave an important road race with the team, they gave me the space I needed to pursue my Olympic dream," Cummins told Cycling News.

"I am beyond saddened to learn that the team will be retiring at the end of this year, but I will make the most of my last few races with the team after the Olympics."

Van Damme will also represent Canada in the Team Pursuit in Paris. She echoed Cummins' sentiments about the trade team giving her the freedom to pursue her Olympic dream.

"Riding for the DNA Pro Cycling Team has been an incredible experience, both professionally and personally. I especially appreciate the support that DNA Pro Cycling has given me in pursuing both my road and track goals. The team's dedication to success is evident in their tireless efforts to secure the necessary resources and support. This unwavering commitment fostered a family-like atmosphere within the team, with everyone supporting one another," Van Dam told Cycling News.

"What truly set DNA Pro Cycling apart was the collective drive for excellence. During my time with the team, I have had the opportunity to contribute to winning, which has not only increased my confidence, but also my passion for the sport. The experiences I gained, the skills I acquired, and the bonds I formed with my teammates are an asset to me and I am excited to carry this on to the next team"

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The team has had success in multiple disciplines throughout the first half of the season. On the U.S. criterium scene, DNA Pro Cycling won the overall team title and placed four riders in the top 10 of the eight-race Speedweek series, including Caitlin Lauwelda's individual title.

At the USA Crites, Harriet Owen won the lap leader competition and finished second in the individual standings. After three rounds of the American Criterium Cup, DNA had three riders in the top 10, with Riley McMullen and Makayla McPherson in third and fourth place, respectively.

In the U.S. stage races, several riders made the podium, including Nadia Gontova winning the overall at the Redlands Bicycle Classic and finishing second overall at the Tour of the Gila. In gravel, Heather Fisher finished 5th in The Traka 200 and Lauerda finished 6th in La Indomable.

"Not only do I have international road races including the Vuelta a Colombia Femenina and the Tour Cicleste Feminin Internacional de L'Ardèche, but I also have five races remaining in the American Criterium Cup.

"I will continue to ride at full throttle for the remainder of the season with road races in Colombia, France, and Canada, as well as criteriums in the United States, including the American Criterium Cup. While we aim to finish strong, our focus is on helping all riders and staff find their place in 2025," said Alex Kim.

During the 2020 COVID pandemic, when racing was cancelled in the US, DNA Pro Cycling was one of the few teams to pay riders and extend all contracts for the following season.