“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17
Efren Ortega
Efren was born & raised in Manati, Puerto Rico & now lives in Gurabo, PR. He has been racing since 2000. His dad started cycling when he was 10 years old. Watching him ride sparked something in him, and he wanted to do the same. One day, while his dad was at work, he "borrowed" his Peugeot bike to race with his neighbor. He ended up hitting a dog & crashing badly. He was terrified how his dad would react because the bike was scratched. His dad saw the bike & simply asked, "Do you want to ride?" That moment changed everything. Soon after, his dad inspired him to take on his first big challenge-cycling around the island of PR, three days over 500 km. He accomplished it at the age of 10. What Efren loves most about racing is the sense of freedom, the breathtaking scenery, & the rich culture that comes with being a cyclist.
When asked what his thoughts were on racing with Kingdom Elite Racing for 2025 he said "Racing with the team would be an honor, as its faith-based mission deeply resonates with me. I admire how the team uses cycling as a platform to express & share positivity through Christian values. Joining such a purpose-driven team would not only allow me to grow as an athlete but also to contribute to spreading faith and encouragement within the cycling community & beyond." His goals for the season are to "contribute to the team's success in every way possible. Whether through strong performances, supporting my teammates, or embodying the team's mission, I aim to help the team achieve its objectives and make a lasting impact on and off the bike."
His favorite race/course is Winston-Salem. "The challenging course, combined with its dynamic terrain & technical sections, makes it both demanding and exciting. I love how it tests every aspect of a cyclist's abilities- endurance, strategy, & determination. The atmosphere & the strong sense of competition also make it a standout event for me."
His favorite foods are Pasta & Pizza.
His favorite scripture verse is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Christian Perpinan
Chris was born & raised just outside Orlando. He began cycling when he was about 16 but has been around the sport most of his life. His Dad and cousin have been racing forever but he had never been interested enough to be involved in it. Then one day when he was 15 he bought a bike that was up for sale for $500 and his Dad invited him out for a ride with him. He kitted up, clipped in for the first time and hit the road. One of the best decisions he says he has ever made. What he loves most about racing is the high level gamesmanship that comes with pro racing and the feeling of being in close quarters with other racers, and being able to exercise your skill in an environment unlike anywhere else. He also loves the sensation of high speed.
When we asked him what his thoughts were on joining Kingdom Elite Racing for the 2025 season he told us "Last year was such a blast of getting to meet new people, go to new and exciting places, & getting to know my teammates, who are now like extended family. So this year l'm extremely excited to get to share more experiences and make new memories with them all!" His goals for the 2025 season include the team being able to win a difficult strong man's race like Crybaby Hill in Tulsa or Armed Forces Day 2. Off the bike his goals are to represent our mission and his Father to the best of his ability by being of service to others.
His favorite race/course is Gateway Cup. He believes that it covers such a wide variety of courses, that for a team to win on all of the days really showcases their talent. It requires such a high level of skill, strength, and versatility from your squad.
Chris is a foodie and when we asked his fav food he found it too hard to pick, so we'll assume it's safe to say "all of the above."
His favorite scripture verses are Psalm 91 "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." & Isaiah 6:8
Frankel Rodriguez
Frankel is from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now resides in Miami, FL. He has been racing since 2013 when he started racing BMX and then transferred to road racing in 2015. He began cycling after seeing his father go out to train every day and travel to almost every country in the world. He said he wanted to be just like him one day! What he loves most about racing is to be able to share as a family with the whole team after each race.
When we asked him what his thoughts were on joining Kingdom Elite Racing for the 2025 season he told us "I'm looking forward to starting the 2025 season, to face it with the best desire to enjoy each race and give the team the best of me in each of the races." His goals for the 2025 season include enjoying each competition to the fullest, giving the best from himself and that it may be an unforgettable season with God's help.
His favorite race/course is the Dominican Road Championship, because "If I win the race l'll be able use my flag in my jersey."
He can not resist some good lasagna and mondongo!
His favorite scripture verse is Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Juan Galloza
Chupi is from Puerto Rico and now lives in Dundee, FL. He has been racing since 2016 and became involved in cycling through BMX when he was just a small kid. Chupi's favorite style of racing is of course criteriums!
When we asked him what his thoughts were on joining Kingdom Elite Racing for the 2025 season he told us "I'm stoked to be part of the team for another season and looking to do the best I can to represent on the bike!" His goals for the 2025 season include "to do the best he can to help the team at the races and bring in as many podiums as possible."
His favorite race/course is the newly resurrected Greenville, SC course during Speedweek, because of how technical it is.
His go to comfort food is arroz con gandules chuleta.
His favorite scripture verse is Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Luke Harris
Luke was born & raised in Athens, GA and now lives in Johnson City, TN. He has been racing since 2017! He got started in cycling through NICA, a national interacholastic mountain bike program! He was at the local bike shop looking for his first real mountain bike and he was introduced to the local NICA team. What he loves most about racing is "the intersection of fitness, skill, and tactics. Being able to read a race correctly and have success through that is super satisfying."
We asked his thoughts on racing with Kingdom Elite Racing for 2025 and he told us "I'm super excited to be with Kingdom for year two! I feel like last year I had a ton of fun in the few races I did with the team and I'm excited to be apart of a team that doubles as a ministry. I'm stoked to be a part of Gods plan for the team this year and I'm looking forward to see how he uses us." His goals for the 2025 season include "gaining experience racing and level up my overall abilities as a bike racer while serving the team. However, I think we will be able to do some damage at these national level races so wins and podiums are in my sights for sure!"
His favorite race/course is Athens Twilight! "With it being my home race it's always a good time to have friends and family come to the race but it's also a super fun and fast course and one of the hardest races out there."
He can't resist some good Tacos!
His favorite scripture verse is Romans 5:8 "But God showed his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Andre Botelho
Andre was born in Sinop, Brazil raised in São Paulo & now lives in Miami, FL. He has been racing since 2018. His mom used to ride and race in Brazil and she got him into cycling! What he loves most about racing is the atmosphere during and after the big crits.
We asked what his thoughts were on racing with Kingdom Elite Racing for 2025 and he told us "I think we grew up and improved a lot during the first year of the team. I want to keep doing my part to help the team keep on growing more and more." His goals for the 2025 season are "to be a good teammate and help those around me on and off the bike."
His favorite race as far as atmosphere is Athens Twilight. His favorite race course is Blue Dome Tulsa Day #1.
His go to food is most definitely Brazilian BBQ.
His favorite scripture verse is Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the lord your god is giving you.”
Sergio Sanchez-Moruno
Sergio was born in Extremadura, Spain & now lives in Delray Beach, FL. He has been racing since 2014 when his friend Cristian Corine who was an U23 Ironman got him into cycling. What he loves most about racing is "the adrenaline you have when you are in the middle of a criterium race at 35 mph."
We asked what his thoughts on racing with Kingdom Elite Racing for 2025 were and he told us "I want to keep growing us a team and achieving good results. This year it was good but I know it can be even better! His goals for 2025 are "to help my leaders and teammates to achieve great results. My effort is undoubted and I will leave everything on the track."
His favorite race is Athens Twilight. The energy of the race is like none other.
His favorite go to dish is Lentejas con chorizo.
His favorite scripture verse is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Shannon Koch
Shannon was born & raised just outside of Dallas, TX in Flower Mound. She now resides in Daytona Beach, FL. She has been racing since she was 14 years old. While growing up in Texas she was exposed to many different sports. One year her dad, who was also a racer, took her to a beginners class at the local velodrome and told her "you don't have to like it, but you need to at least try it." Reluctantly she gave it a shot and ended up falling in love the first night. Road racing came soon after, and a couple years later she gave up her varsity basketball spot to put 100% focus on racing. What she loves most about cycling is that "it has taken her all over the world and introduced her to people & experiences she never would have had otherwise. She says she is blessed to have met some amazing individuals along the way including her Kingdom teammates.
When we asked her thoughts on racing with Kingdom Elite Racing for 2025 she said "I truly feel as the 2024 season progressed we gained valuable confidence, cohesion & motivation as a unit. Having teammates who have your back and line up ready to go to battle with you is irreplaceable. I am super excited to do it again this year with some new additions! This team is family." In terms of 2025 goals she told us "After some podium appearances on the national circuit this year we're aiming for that top step! My goal for us is to continue to grow as a team both on & off the bike, as racers & as human beings. I pray our mission continues to touch those we encounter on our travels as well as our following online!"
Her favorite race/course is "The Hill" at Gateway Cup. "The energy of this race is something else! The spectators and community are so engaged & the course is well suited for me so it ends up being a really fun, dynamic day."
Her favorite foods include Thai Yellow Curry & Lasagna, but never together!
Her favorite scripture verse is Ephesians 6:10-18 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes..."
Heidy Praderas
Heidy was born & raised in Cuba and now lives in Tampa, FL. She has been racing since 2011. She began cycling "por diversión con mis amigos de la escuela después se convirtió en profession." What she loves most about racing is "la dinamica y la adrenalina."
When we asked her what her thoughts were on joining Kingdom Elite Racing for the 2025 season she told us "Emocionada de poder estar de vuelta después de la experiencia del año pasado, y pensando a podemos tener objetivos importantes este año." Her goals for the 2025 season include "ayudar a que equipo se coloqué entre los mejores y poder tener un buen desempeño en lo personal."
Her favorite race is Athens Twilight - "Creo q siento una vibración diferente en esta carrera y su público espectacular." She told us her favorite thing to eat is 'comida cubana.' Safe to say we are also fans!
Her favorite scripture verse is Psalm 100 "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture...”
Jenna Nestman
Jenna was born & raised on the Sunshine Coast of BC, Canada in Roberts Creek. Now residing in Alberta, Canada. She has been racing road since 2022 & track since 2017! She was training to be a pro triathlete and was working with a coach who said I think you should give the track a try based on your power profile. She gave it a shot and was hooked! She loved everything it had to offer, the speed, the feel and the dynamics of racing. A few years later she found crit racing which she finds to be really similar, part of why she loves it! What she loves most about racing is that "it provides an opportunity to step into a curiosity and a place to feel limitless."
When we asked her what her thoughts were on joining Kingdom Elite Racing for the 2025 season she told us "Last year I was lining up against these hitters and this year we get to line up together as a unit, to work together as a team and that is so exciting. These women are so strong on the bike and are model citizens off the bike. I'm beyond grateful to be welcomed into this new family and can't wait to see what we can accomplish together." Her goals for the 2025 season include "contributing to the success of the team with knowing there is no such thing as failure and limits when you're willing to go all in for one another. Also, to see one of us on the podium of every race we decide to enter!" On a personal level she is aiming for the top step in the IP at Canadian Track Champs & the Canadian National Road Champs in the TT.
Her favorite race/course is Tulsa Tough - Cry Baby Hill. It is a "super fun, challenging course, that is really attritional yet has a super technical last corner."
She loves some good Ramen & Boba!
Her favorite scripture verses are Proverbs 27:17 and 2 Timothy 1:7 - It isn't a call to never feel fear. Instead, it's a reminder that our fundamental nature, gifted by God, isn't rooted in fear. We're called to respond to challenges not with anxiety and despair but with power, love, and a sound mind.
Aylena Quevedo
Aylena hails from Cuba and now resides in Cape Coral, FL. She has been racing since she was 11 years old. She began cycling "En una academia de niños." What she loves most about racing is "La adrenalina y la satisfacción."
When we asked her what her thoughts were on joining Kingdom Elite Racing for the 2025 season she told us "Es una gran oportunidad y agradecimiento." Her goals for the 2025 season are "aportar lo mejor de mí para el equipo, crecer como atleta y disfrutar el ciclismo."
Her favorite type of races are "carreras de carreteras en grupo, porque me desarrollo mejor."
She can not resist a good "Pizza o arroz y frijoles cubanos acompañados con etc"
Her favorite scripture verse is 2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."
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
Gabby is from Livonia, MI and now resides in Riverview, FL. Gabby has been racing since 2013. She got her start in cycling by attending charity rides with her family. What she loves most about cycling is "the thrill of competition, pushing my limits, and the camaraderie within the cycling community."
When we asked her what her thoughts were on racing with Kingdom Elite Racing for 2025 she told us "I'm filled with excitement and anticipation. I'm eager to represent the team, contribute to our success, and continue growing as an athlete alongside such talented teammates." Her goals for the 2025 season are "to improve my performance in criteriums, support my teammates effectively, and aim for a podium finish at a major race."
Her favorite race/course is Downer's Classic at the Tour of America's Dairyland. "The atmosphere is amazing and draws large crowds. It's a great course with tight turns around a .9 mile triangle."
Her favorite go to dish is Chicken Tikka Masala.
Her favorite scripture verse is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
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."