Get To Know Astellas Cycling Team... Ryan Aitcheson

New for 2014, we are proud to sponsor Astellas Cycling in the team's first year as domestic professionals. Get to know the team: 

Name: Ryan Aitcheson

Age: 23

Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

When/Why did you start cycling? 
Tried out many summer sports and didn’t enjoy them as much as mountain biking. Joined a local club at the age of 13 and rode with them.

What do you like about cycling? 
Started out mountain biking and loved being outdoors in the woods on trails that would always change. The speed also helps.

What do you not like? 
The long hours training, but it's worth it when you win.

What do you do outside of cycling? Jobs, hobbies, family? 
Work at a bike shop and train year around, so not much outside that. I pick up the guitar when I'm home and like to go out with my girlfriend.

When did you start riding with Astellas? 
2013 season. It was their second season around.

How do you feel about becoming a Professional domestic team this year? 
The many years of training have paid off. Being able to call myself a pro after years working up the ladder is a huge step that not many get to take.

What type of racing is your “specialty?” 
Crits and one day races.

What races are you excited for this year? 
Canadian Nationals is my most important race and also Joe Martin, since I have done well in the past.

What bike will you be riding this year? 
One of the C-Series frames. Excited to get it as it looks fast and very unique to the company.

You can follow Ryan on Twitter @RyanAit, and be sure to follow @astellascycling this year.

Get To Know Astellas Cycling Team... Jake Rytlewski

New for 2014, we are proud to sponsor Astellas Cycling in the team's first year as domestic professionals. Get to know the team: 

Name: Jake Rytlewski

Age: 31

Hometown: Bay City, MI  

Current: Boulder, CO

When/Why did you start cycling? 

I started in cycling at the age of 14. My dad got involved in the sport and then so did my brothers and myself. 

What do you like about cycling?

Being able to go out and ride any where you want and on any road. Every ride can be an adventure. Also exploring and riding in new areas. 

What do you not like? 

Drivers who don't understand cyclist have rights and cyclist who don't understand they have to follow laws as well. 

What do you do outside of cycling? Jobs, hobbies, family? 

I work full time now as a cycling coach with FasCat Coaching out of Boulder Colorado. I will be married 7 years this September, have 1 daughter who is 4 and one on the way in May. I also enjoy drumming but don't have much time. 

When did you start riding with Astellas? 

I started with Astellas in 2012, the first year it was a team. 

How do you feel about becoming a Professional domestic team this year? 

I've done it for 7 previous years. I'm excited to get back to it and it is always great to be racing at the top level in the US. I'm also looking forward to sharing my experiences and knowledge with the younger guys on the team and to help them out. I've done almost all the same races for years now. 

What type of racing is your “specialty?” 

Hilly road races and stage races. 

What races are you excited for this year? 

USPRO Road Championships 

What bike will you be riding this year? 

T1. My best year as a domestic pro was on a titanium bike. I'm excited about getting back on one. Especially from a company who is known for their great titanium bikes. 

Anything else? Tips, tricks, advice? 

Love what you do and do what you love. It's not easy and sacrifices will have to be made, but you have to be willing to make them to succeed. Of course I've never could have made it to where I am now without the help of others, especially my parents and wife. 

Be sure to check out his blog "The Breeze Journal" and follow him on Twitter @jakerytlweski. Don't forget to follow @astellascycling either.