I’m Starla Teddergreen, a professional cyclist with over 20 years of racing experience spanning road, gravel, and mountain bike disciplines. From the UCI WorldTour to the toughest off-road stage races on the planet, I’ve built a career defined by grit, growth, and podium results—earning recognition at every level of the sport.
In 2022, I was diagnosed with MS. Instead of stepping back, I leaned in—continuing to train, compete, and evolve. I was selected to race the Life Time Grand Prix in 2022 and 2023, and in both 2024 and 2025, I was selected to represent Team USA at the UCI MTB Marathon World Championships. I also raced the legendary Absa Cape Epic, one of the most demanding mountain bike stage races in the world. These experiences fuel my belief that strength isn’t just about overcoming obstacles, but about continuing to show up.
Founder of Distance To Empty
I’m also the founder and driving force behind Distance To Empty, a grassroots, women-focused cycling program that breaks down the barriers keeping athletes from the start line. Through DTE, we’ve helped riders overcome financial, emotional, and logistical challenges to access racing and community. Whether someone is chasing a world championship or just finishing their first 50-mile ride, we show up for one another—and lead by example.
Coach & Skills Instructor
As a certified cycling coach, I teach women of all levels the foundational skills that build confidence, safety, and race craft—whether they’re getting ready for their first group ride or training for a national-level event. I specialize in on and off-road clinics, where the focus is on building trust in your body, your bike, and your ability to handle anything the road or trail throws your way.
I believe that when women are given the tools to ride with confidence, they begin showing up in every other area of life with that same strength and clarity.
Creative & Freelance Designer
Outside of racing, I’m also a freelance graphic designer specializing in brand identity and cycling kit design. Every Distance To Empty kit you’ve seen—each bold pattern, layered story, and unexpected color palette—has come straight from my desk. I love helping brands and individuals bring their ideas to life visually, with designs that not only look great but tell a story.
Design, for me, is just another form of empowerment. Whether it’s helping an athlete feel confident in what they’re wearing or helping a small brand launch a fresh visual identity, I love translating vision into visuals.
Advocate for Women in Cycling
One of my greatest passions is helping create a cycling world where more women feel welcome and supported. I work directly with race promoters across the country to increase female participation, and in 2026, I’m expanding that work with a focus on women-only starts—ensuring safe, equitable race opportunities at every level of the sport. My goal is not just to compete, but to create a movement where more women feel empowered to show up, take the start line, and write their own racing story.
Starla Teddergreen 