On the BMC Pato Bike team during past editions of Tour of the Gila, Marcela Elizabeth Prieto Castaneda has a long history of competing at the UCI stage race in southwest New Mexico. The rider from Mexico won second place in 2023.

While Marcela qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics because of the points she earned at this stage race last year, she still planned to race this week. Her goal was to make a strong showing and build matchless fitness over five challenging days of competition, according to Pato Bike Team Manager Ana Teresa Casas Bonilla.

The team initially accepted the invitation to race in the 37th Tour of the Gila but was unable to obtain visas for all their riders so was forced to withdraw.

To ensure Marcela a chance at competing in Tour of the Gila this spring, a group effort ensued, says Co-Race Director Michael Engleman.

First, Senator Ben Ray Luján’s office worked to expedite a visa for Marcela.

Next, the race invited Mexican club team Azteca Cycling Femmes in an effort to provide support for this promising rider and others from the nation currently without a UCI federation.

Third, Marcela was ushered into unexpectedly open spot on the roster of the PAS/Steve Tilford Foundation Racing team headed by Raylyn Nuss and supported by donors like local State Farm agent Jon Saari. The composite team also features veteran racers like Caroline Mani of France, who specializes in cyclocross, and includes wildcards like Cécile Lejeune, who earned the Best Amateur jersey at Redlands Classic Bicycle Race this year.

Finally, personal donations from individuals behind foundations that traditionally support Tour of the Gila provided further assistance in bringing these international athletes to the only UCI stage race on the continent this year.

The efforts of many paid off.

“Come race day, Marcela will be on the start line with her PAS/Steve Tilford Foundation teammates wearing bib #1,” says Tour of the Gila Co-Director Michael Engleman.

2024 UCI start lists are available here.