We Are Tougher
Than Tulsa Tough.

LABA Women, the road to Tulsa, and everything we’re building along the way.

Words by Camila Arenas | Photos by: @makeyoulookgood_ & @shotbyiane

It’s hard to put into words what Tulsa Tough means to us, but if I had to try, I’d say it’s a checkpoint. A mirror. A reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we’re willing to go.

The women’s team at LABA isn’t just about racing; it’s about rewriting the script of what’s possible... When I first arrived in the U.S. four years ago from Colombia, I had only love for the bike, fire in my chest, and zero clue how to navigate this new cycling world. I saw a crit for the first time and immediately thought, "I want to race that." LABA was the first to take me seriously, but also the first to say, "You're crazy! You need proper shoes, a license, and a few things first." But they didn’t just tell me that. They guided me, they picked me up and welcomed me onto their team.

Back then, I was the only woman on the team and LABA was becoming my support system and second family. They opened the door to a whole new world: American racing and everything that came with it. I jumped with "all in" while balancing real life (job, education, and the high cost of living in California) which, for most of us, is no easy task. But with the right support, it becomes possible. And support like the one we’ve received from HUNT, who believed in our mission early on and has backed us for years, truly helped shape who we’ve become as a team. I was also used to heavier, entry-level bikes, so feeling the responsiveness of carbon and the smoothness of ceramic bearings for the first time was an entirely new experience. It changed how I rode, how I moved, and what I believed I could do. HUNT has been with us for years now, and having access to their top-of-the-line wheels, including new releases, has been like touching the sky! With that, we began to climb through the ranks, podiums in Cat 5 and Cat 4, then an upgrade to Cat 3.

As women, we’ve had countless conversations about the invisible walls in cycling: how hard it is to even enter, and once inside, the chasm between Cat 3 and Pro 1/2. The gap isn’t just about numbers on a power meter. It’s time, resources, direction, emotional support and representation. That’s why this team matters to me, because its mission isn’t just about racing; it’s about exposure, mentorship, and community.

We’ve slowly been building an ecosystem where women can grow. Little by little, almost quietly, we’d say “energy began to attract energy”. People started showing up, resonating with the vision, the spirit, and the narrative we were shaping. Each woman brought her individuality, her talents, her personality, and slowly this collective began to take form. LABA plants the seeds, but we’re the ones showing up, creating, pushing, failing, and trying again. This is a collective effort. Everyone who has joined the team has brought something vital, from leadership to laughter to logistics, and each one has left a mark.

Our very first Tulsa was back in 2023. At the time, we weren’t yet a fully formed team, it was just a few of us; raw, excited, figuring it out as we went. I had just come off a tough personal moment, including having my bike stolen. LABA, Aaron, and our LA community rallied behind me. I raced on a new bike I hadn’t even adjusted, I barely knew what Tulsa meant. But I raced with my heart, and somehow, I won. That race became a turning point for me and I didn’t know it then, but Tulsa would become an anchor on our calendar, a race we’d keep coming back to.

Being able to show up to Tulsa for three consecutive years has been a privilege for me. Tulsa Tough isn’t just any race; it’s a global cycling festival. It’s iconic, gritty, wild, and colorful. It is a weekend that leaves a mark on your heart and legs, from the thunderous energy at Cry Baby Hill to the festival atmosphere that pulses through downtown, Tulsa offers more than just a competition, it’s an unforgettable experience that challenges you and lifts you at the same time.

But this year felt different. Stronger. Sharper. Fuller. For the first time, we showed up as a full squad —all six of us— trained, focused, and in sync. We weren’t just there to compete, we were there to represent. With strong sponsors backing us, matching bikes, kits, helmets and glasses we chose together. It felt surreal. And rolling together on HUNT wheels, all of us on high-profile, aerodynamic setups that felt smooth and fast, it truly felt like we were flying. These were the things we used to dream about, whispering to each other, "Can you imagine when we look like a real team?" We used to watch the big teams roll in, perfectly synced, exuding power... and this time, we were that team. We brought to life the tactics we’ve trained all season, we raced with intention, we raced together.

That victory on Cry Baby Hill and the podiums across the weekend reflected the strength of our teamwork, the trust in our training, and the magic that happens when each rider shows up with everything they have and everything they are. Each of the women on this team brings something invaluable: Chapis, with her warrior spirit, positive attitude and youthful energy that lifts everyone around her. Priscila, whose consistency, discipline and determination in every sprint inspire us to push harder. Catalina, who offers her care and has played a key role in organizing and helping the team grow through all the planning and logistics. Alexa, with her extensive experience and selfless support, always willing to sacrifice for the team and making us feel heard and understood off the bike. India, with her boundless energy, insane strength, sense of humor, and unmistakable style. And behind the scenes; steady, constant, and irreplaceable, there’s Aaron. He’s not just a mentor or mechanic; he’s a pillar. One of the most respected bike educators and mechanics in Los Angeles, Aaron has built a legacy through community bike programs and hands-on mentorship. For us, he keeps our bikes fast and our spirits steady. He gives us his time, energy, ideas, and unwavering belief. From race prep to personal talks, from wheel truing to wisdom-sharing, he’s been there, quietly holding it all together so we can shine on the road. We’re all different, all talented, each with a big heart and a hunger to grow and give back to the world.

This is, more than just a team, it’s a movement. A movement powered by people who believe in the vision, share the dream, and bring it to life with passion and love. It’s sustained by a spirit of community and shared purpose. As I became more involved, I also stepped into LABA’s educational mission helping lead our Basic Skills and Bike Education programs in schools and community organizations. And the more I immersed myself in this work, the more I realized how much there is still to do. Through these efforts, we better understand how to show up, contribute with our hands and hearts, and create real pathways for more girls and young women to connect with the bike and with each other. We believe in opening doors, in staying curious, in giving back. There are countless young women out there with the talent to ride at the top level, what they need is opportunity. And we’re here to build that bridge.

This Tulsa wasn’t just a 'wow' moment; it was a declaration. A celebration of how far we’ve come, and a fierce promise of where we’re headed. Podiums both days. A win on the legendary Cry Baby Hill. We tested ourselves against the intensity of the Pro field and proved we belong. And now, we’re leveling up.

We’ve already begun sharpening, dreaming, and moving forward with joy, conviction, and full hearts; with Tulsa 2026 on our minds, the Pro field clearly in our sights, and deep appreciation for every step of this journey.

Because it’s not just about where we’re going, but about everything we’re building along the way.

Follow the journey: @labawomensteam @labikeacademy | labikeacademy.org