Team 31 was created out of a desire to do something different. Rather than perpetuate the pressurized structure of elite racing, with its focus on podiums, followers, and engagement, the goal is to have fun and inspire others.
At the upper echelon of racing, it is easy to forget that riding bikes is fun. That is why spending time with children is so important. It is a reminder of why we ride and more importantly, an opportunity to inspire the next generation to stay active and healthy.
![Team 31 Ibis Lear Miller 10 Large](https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-10-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1600&s=8da085b5cd0d9858fb4b8e8adb08b071 1600w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-10-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1200&s=c7abf70cb5cd3739c1152c8aadbcb06a 1200w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-10-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=800&s=1e4453a59924544d5ff5731a6119a9c7 800w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-10-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=60&w=600&s=27ce5a4220c39b017c29d06067800c52 600w)
The team’s name also brings attention to Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that “every child has the right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities.“
The Team was inspired by the personal journey of Olympic Champion Jenny Rissveds. After overcoming a personal battle with eating disorders and depression which caused her to leave cycling, she has returned to the sport and become a major proponent for mental health.
![Team 31 Ibis Lear Miller 16 Large](https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-16-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1600&s=96eef049a2e0ff3b28803d397edbdf11 1600w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-16-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1200&s=f4fa26c85c08eb4931a7117fe3d13075 1200w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-16-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=800&s=27d5a679797968100ce505571ff75677 800w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-16-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=60&w=600&s=0db34403e1b04283682bc64dec597411 600w)
![Team 31 Ibis Lear Miller 25 Large](https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-25-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1600&s=ab0d4a83cdd1a6f81ec29746581691be 1600w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-25-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1200&s=dd56b4a7dc1c564214fc53a0fd83da74 1200w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-25-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=800&s=8766ee9c1824bf0cd3cad3023fa33db0 800w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-25-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=60&w=600&s=60fd898321fd75ea3819ac69f122379b 600w)
![Team 31 Ibis Lear Miller 20 Large](https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-20-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1600&s=9f2c51f76cd23b524a5df4f7bce9ca68 1600w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-20-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1200&s=f38e0cea885d71b62599e8c0ab0ddc56 1200w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-20-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=800&s=c8b253e90a7728e1c0c908441e40ac56 800w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-20-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=60&w=600&s=3bd8f3ff4077e9562336c2f0d2ba3cf0 600w)
In addition to Jenny, the team includes returning member Kelsey Urban. Kelsey is the 2019 U‑23 National Champion and a US National Team Member. The third member of the team is Linn Gustaffzon, a Swedish National Rider racing on her first factory program. Together, the team will focus on the UCI World Cup events.
![Team 31 Ibis Lear Miller 41 Large](https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-41-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1600&s=b1a621622f44786d4a4338e002b96d77 1600w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-41-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1200&s=28cfe6b11829c0ba47f10218b6d0ab98 1200w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-41-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=800&s=15e243616b665312432a3c1823daf0a2 800w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-41-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=60&w=600&s=b3e71621bd0cac5451f3c302f0a58709 600w)
Team 31 will be racing on the new US-made Ibis Exie. Tom Morgan, the President of Ibis Cycles said: “When we designed the Exie we aspired to make a bike capable of competing at the highest level of the sport — partly to show what we could do, but also because we’re huge fans of World Cup XC racing.
The idea of sponsoring Team 31 and Jenny seemed like a fantasy — she is one of the athletes we’ve most admired in racing. Not just because of her race results, but because of the incredible work she’s done to raise attention for the rights of children. After a hectic few weeks of working with the Team 31 management to put together an all-star roster of equipment sponsors the fantasy became a reality.
It’s great to be working with Linn Gustafzzon and Kelsey Urban as well. A Swedish National Team member, Linn joins what Jenny and Kelsey have started and we’re excited to see what she’s capable of with full team support. And it’s great to be working with Kelsey, a former NICA athlete from the Bay Area, who adds a local element to our Swedish connection.”
Team 31 held its training camp in Santa Cruz in early February. During the trip, they had the opportunity to meet with Ibis employees, tour the new solar-powered Exie factory, and ride with one of the local high school teams.
![Team 31 Ibis Saris 33 Large](https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Saris-33-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1600&s=671d6b9eb9e36eff0af92d1eea7ac472 1600w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Saris-33-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1200&s=0b5bb84dfaa913f5b80d522d64387d39 1200w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Saris-33-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=800&s=115cec2488a952f0a5ad0200522cc9dd 800w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Saris-33-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=60&w=600&s=462f94b00013862eb4d09d3c1803ccbc 600w)
”Ibis have proved that they are ready to take a step in a different direction. That’s exactly what we as a team are looking for. I’m very excited about this partnership and excited to help push the sports industry towards something healthier. Together with Ibis, we want to show the next generation that sport can be playful, fun, and free from pressure, and not only about winning, losing, and fighting mentality. Sport is for everybody, and we are happy about finally finding a bike brand who is willing to go on this journey with us,” said Jenny Rissveds.
Kelsey Urban echoed the sentiment. “It’s unique to represent a brand you feel connected to, one where you can see the people, personality, and mission behind the logo. Working with Ibis has been just that. Not only are they building bikes to last and working on clean energy solutions for carbon manufacturing, but they also are supporting us in racing at the top-level as people, not just athlete robots. I feel immensely lucky to take on the coming chapter with them behind us.”
All the Team 31 sponsors are keen to help achieve their goal of positivity. As Linn Gustafzzon said, “Our goal is to show what is important about sports, it should be FUN, healthy, confidence building, and for everyone.”
The new partnership with Ibis is a significant development for the team, but it is not the only change. Another important development supporting the team as its helmet, eyewear, protection, and apparel partner will be POC. As a Swedish company with extensive experience in performance and protection, there is a natural Swedish connection to the team and riders, as well as a long-term collaboration with Ibis.
![Team 31 Ibis Saris 52](https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Saris-52.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1600&s=7f8cf6ca3d0875f4a414c1b2f9c35271 1600w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Saris-52.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1200&s=93b0818f07e63f224496e86a1b37c026 1200w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Saris-52.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=800&s=a95ed1d30a3e21f7fb97e7a224eeea23 800w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Saris-52.jpg?fit=clip&q=60&w=600&s=80d59a5c0dba7166885444b6eb7fc9df 600w)
Elizabeth Reeder, Head of Global Sports Marketing Strategy for POC, said – “As Team 31 is a Swedish based team working in collaboration with our long-term partner, Ibis, the synergies and excitement was obvious from the very beginning! But it also represents significantly more. To be able to support some truly world-class female athletes and help them achieve their performance goals is an amazing objective. On top of that, to bring about a bigger debate on participation and bring the younger generation to the joys and benefits of cycling is a vision worthy of all our support. It promises to be an amazing season.”
![Team 31 Ibis Lear Miller 31 Large](https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-31-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1600&s=292b4b01dbf7589a5e2ef718cc06f1b0 1600w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-31-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=1200&s=f2b6795d7ece3626243907aa9f7287f4 1200w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-31-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=90&w=800&s=0914733e287db730e88669bbbd6fd9c0 800w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/Team-31-Ibis-Lear-Miller-31-Large.jpg?fit=clip&q=60&w=600&s=8541ff7143375ad170b8d7d0d2fef1fe 600w)
You can follow Team 31 on Instagram and via their website.
![31 SPONSOR PAGE](https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/31-SPONSOR-PAGE.png?fit=clip&q=80&w=1600&s=17fdaab79b631201b44ee66dfc0ac8db 1600w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/31-SPONSOR-PAGE.png?fit=clip&q=80&w=1200&s=0c0df4ceb2736231c4dc27977bde6aa8 1200w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/31-SPONSOR-PAGE.png?fit=clip&q=80&w=800&s=401f9b23760091ed2e09dc546293c15f 800w, https://ibiscycles.imgix.net/images/31-SPONSOR-PAGE.png?fit=clip&q=80&w=600&s=d12cf64de2a94417db16f82b3a90ecde 600w)