The Yellow Jersey

Starting in 2020 we will have the opportunity to honor team members using a customized yellow jersey.   

Those who wear this jersey exemplify what it means to be part of the Mi Duole team.  The yellow jersey represents leadership, team work, courage, strength, someone who pushes you (or pulls you) and a willingness to suffer!  All the things that make a great cyclist, teammate and friend.  Like the iconic yellow jersey of the Tour De France, this jersey cannot be purchased.

Each year, moving forward, a yellow jersey will be designed to match the team jersey. We want each of you to be part of nominating your team mates for this honor: https://tinyurl.com/tnohqn8

2024 YELLOW JERSEYS

Dan Thunell

Dan Thunell deserves our recognition for his tireless efforts to grow the Mi Duole team…not only his contributions to the team as a sponsor, but also as one of our biggest advocates. He is loyal to the team and what we stand for. Dan is often the first to serve and reach out to me when a teammate crashes or needs help. He serves quietly and gives selflessly.

The things that make Dan a great doctor, husband, and father are the same things that make him a great cycling companion. He is meticulous and detail-oriented, but more importantly, he is unfailingly and unyieldingly kind. There are no games with Dan—what you see is exactly what you get.  He is equally happy and fulfilled by smashing a new PR as he is by soft pedaling with a good friend. He is ultra-competitive, but only with himself.

From one of Dan’s nominations, “This guys just loves cycling! His passion is unmatched. No one can suffer like Dan…he lives to be on the bike doing the next big thing.”

Dan is up for any epic ride. Nearing 2,000 miles at Lotoja, he has turned his sites to harder and longer rides recently. He has twice set the course record at Hoodoo 300. 2024 he is tackling Unbound 200, Crushar, another Hoodoo 300 and returning to the Alps and gunning for another entry in Cinglés du Mont Ventoux Club - 3 ascents of Mont Ventoux from 3 sides in one day. A feat he first achieved in 2022.

Ryan Welch

There is something to be said about flying our team colors on almost every ride. At every race. In every family picture and on every social media post your wife shares. This new yellow jersey recipient lives and dies for Mi Duole. He flys our team colors with pride!

From a nomination (coming from a submission who is not on our team) “Ryan is Mi Duole. Tough. Welcoming. Competitive. Loyal. He bleeds Mi Duole.” He is all in for what the team stands for and represents us everywhere he goes. Ryan Welch is the ultimate ambassador for what we stand for: Passion. Loyalty. Strength. Legacy. He is often the first to offer his service at kit pick-up. He served as part of the Camp Planning Committee this year and has been a huge part in growing and strengthening the ranks of Duoles for the past 4 years. Those who wear the jersey exemplify what it means to be part of the Mi Duole team. Don’t be fooled by Ryan’s welcoming attitude when it comes time to pull out of 7/11 on our way to Marsac he is going to lay down the hurt. He leads by example and is a true friend to those who know him.

2023 Yellow Jerseys

Clark Davis:

Something strange has been happened to Mi Duole for the past three winters: The Portal! It started small and has grown to be a HUGE part of our culture and team connection. We started in Bumble Kits and just 6-8 riders each morning and now we have 30+ joining for Zwift team meetups and events. Zwift represents almost half of the year of riding together! Zwift team events usually start inside in October and can go into March. Many new members of the team were first introduced to the group on Zwift and since the beginning there was been one constant. One rock. One familiar voice amongst so much noise: Clark Davis.

Let me read from one of his nominations, “His positivity rubs off on others and his willingness to take on suffering inspires others to do so also. He selflessly sets up team rides through Zwift so others can get involved. Even though he lives down south, he makes it to team events in Salt Lake and is a reliable member of the team in every way. GroupMe. Strava. Zwift. Kit pick-up. Clark is committed to the team and it shows. “

In a second nomination is says, “After listening to Clark’s podcast I was inspired by the way to lives his life and balances training, with family and work. Clark is the ultimate team player and ALWAYS wants to lift and inspire those around him. If Mi Duole wants to grow and inspire members of the team to do so put Clark Davis in yellow so everyone can see how a true leader acts and treats others.”

Finally, it was said of Clark in a nomination, “He’s bald and lives in the better county of Utah. What is not to like about Clark?! The amount of time he devotes to setting up Zwift rides all winter is incredible and he is constantly trying to pull together the Utah County chapter of Mi Duole for group rides and meet-ups. Not an easy task.”

Those who wear the jersey exemplify what it means to be part of the Mi Duole team. Clark represents leadership, team work, courage, strength, someone who pushes others and a BIG willingness to suffer! Like the iconic yellow jersey of the Tour De France, this jersey cannot be purchased and from the 5 nominations that Clark received over the past year we think he is ready and able to represent this team in every scenario. We are grateful for your leadership and example of what it means to represent Mi Duole…Clark Davis new Yellow Jersey.

Chris Harmon:

I calculated the stats from 2020, 2021 and 2022. If a team ride was planned on the GroupMe chat this new yellow jersey recipient attended 92.39% of the time. Even though most team rides start at the base of Emigration Canyon and arriving on time requires he leaves his house at 5:00am … that statistic proves his loyalty, faithfulness and desire to bring his best to the team.

It was said of him in one of the 4 nominations he received, “Harmon is a silent killa. The type of person you want on your team no matter what you're doing. Often the outgoing, loud, extrovert get the acknowledgment and the quiet assassin does he job with precision then walks away not needing any fanfare. This is Harmon. You won't hear him in the peloton but you will notice him as he calmly blows by you. He will ride beside you and have a great conversation then when it's go time...he's gone. At the same time he will pull up and ease up to ride with someone that's not as strong. He is the Jeff Hornacek of Mi Duole. He calmly drops 20 and goes home while John and Karl get the accolades. A guy like Harmon is a must on any team that wants to succeed.”

In a different nomination is was said of Chris, “He leads by example with few words, letting his biking talk for him. He is strong, committed to the team and inviting to new members. He is humble and I think would love to wear yellow to represent Mi Duole...not himself. He probably would love to wear yellow but not for people to see but because Mi Duole means a lot to him. I think if there is anyone that is overdue for a yellow jersey it's Harmon.”

A final tribute to Harmon in a different nomination, “He loves to ride with Mi Duole and his consistency has driven some culture changes within the club. Chris drives consistency to the group. He brings the same great attitude to each team ride, which creates momentum that those joining can feel as they join the regulars. That makes others want to come back, which makes the team grow. Growth is not the team's initiative, but riding with this group is contagious because of those inside the peloton. Yes, you can get a good workout, but you grow friendships, improve community, create opportunities with a consistent culture. That's what he has added to Mi Duole and it came at a pivotal time for the team.”

We are grateful for your leadership and example of what it means to represent Mi Duole…Chris Harmon new Yellow Jersey.

2022 YELLOW JERSEYS

Todd Racker
The honor who sharing the yellow jersey with team members is that it comes from nominations that come from fellow riders, team mates and friends. Those who wear this jersey exemplify what it means to be part of the Mi Duole team. From one of his nominations I will read a few paragraph, “You know that guy who makes everyone feel safe? The guy knows how to fix anything or will sacrifice everything to take care of you? The guy you want around when things get tough. That’s Todd. He is a loyal friend before he is a beast on the bike.”

Having started road cycling just a few years ago, Todd has established himself as a dedicated and strong athlete with two LOTOJA podiums one being 1st place and the other being a sub 8:50 minute 4th place finish, but beyond that he is quietly-humble and dedicated to those around him. He has embroidered countless Mi Duole sweatshirts. He rarely, if ever, misses team sponsored rides or races. He is generous to all and the ultimate ambassador of Mi Duole. His example of using cycling to be fit and healthy are inspiring as well as his commitment to his family.

He is the epitome of what Mi Duole represents in every way - Leadership, culture, hard work, accountability, and showing up. The saying, “when much is given, much is received” tells the story of Todd joining this team. Todds success has simply been to be “ALL IN”…but by being all in - what he’s gained or received has been far greater. Todd’s passion for the sport is unmatched and those around him feel that passion/drive. I can honestly say, we will all benefit from Todd being in yellow.

David Kirby
The yellow jersey represents leadership, team work, courage, strength, someone who pushes you and a willingness to suffer!  All the things that make a great cyclist, teammate and friend.  And like the iconic yellow jersey of the Tour De France, this jersey cannot be purchased.

In 2019, David Kirby was descending Mill Creek Canyon when a deer jumped in front and created a terrible crash.  David broke his hip and pelvis in two places, separated his right shoulder, broke his right hand, blew out all the cartilage in his hip and femur and was badly scraped up by the deer’s antlers.  At the time, David was just starting to ride with Mi Duole.  David was poised and determined to work through the rehabilitation of getting his strength back and even back on to the bike.  Today, David is riding stronger than when he was in this accident, racing in events, driving the peloton on Zwift and on-boarding new members to Mi Duole all the while. 

 David has worked for Zions Bank for 7 years, been in banking for 21 years.  He’s currently a Senior Vice President and specializes in working with dental practices that are in need of capital to start their practice or grow their practice.  David is admired for his “Doing Good” efforts amongst team members and business colleagues.  He’s a very strong resource partner to have on your side.

2021 Yellow Jerseys

Jim Morgan
Jim joined Mi Duole in 1985 and has carried the group for years as both an example and a leader. He raced and won at the cries for years. He also mentored and taught many of the early Mi Duole team members how to ride. He is an accomplished climber and racer and still organizes large group rides every week for the cyclists he has met during his 40 years of riding in Utah. He is as tough as nails and can be found in any of the Utah canyons on most mornings. For years he helped managed the Mi Duole teams finances and sponsorships. The team would not be what it is today without Jim Morgan. He stands for all the good things this team believes in. Follow Jim!

Scott Miles
Scott is a strong rider who is always ready to get after it with anyone brave enough to ride with him. He is notorious for his epic dirt and mixed surface routes which he loves to share with others. Scott is quick to make friends on a course but don’t let that fool you, he is a stone cold assassin when it comes to suffering. I was personally impressed with his teamwork on a particular ride where he planned an amazing route, arranged support for the crew, showed great leadership throughout the ride, & expressed great care for others as he stuck around at the meet up to ensure all made it back safely. Many have expressed how Scotty is very approachable and emulates the word Teammate. He is the strong silent type. He is a weapon of mass destruction on both dirt and road, whether in running shoes, on a mountain bike, gravel bike or road bike. No mountain is too great for Scott to climb or run, as evidenced by his Mt. Olympus sub-2 hour trail runs. Scotty is a machine and he can bury you at will! More importantly, Scott is the nicest guy you’ll ever suffer with and he is a great friend and good company on any road! Scott emulates the values and strength of this team and he epitomizes the essence of Mi Duole! For these reasons, Scotty Miles is awarded the yellow jersey!

Tom Bonacci
When we talk about the history of Mi Duole there are some very key players. The founders. So much of our culture revolves around our name and what that name stands for. The team name translates from Italian to mean “I’m suffering” and we can thank our first Yellow Jersey receipt for that. Tom Bonacci has been a Mi Duole from the start. Tom’s son, Joseph said of him in his nomination, “He has been a part of the team since the beginning and has been continually getting the new kits to stay current with team. He has loved cycling his whole life and he would be honored to wear a yellow jersey. He is the inspiration to me and the reason I got into road cycling. He has kept every single Mi Duole kit since the beginning, even the ones he ripped up in crashes, whether that be in racing or in training rides. Tom raced in the first ever LOTOJA and placed in the top 4. He was also in the top 10 of the 1991 U.S. National Championship Road Race held at Jermey Ranch. It was, as you might imagine, a brutally difficult course, and a certain Lance Armstrong won, with Marty Jamison taking 4th, and Tom not far behind. Tom takes great pride in seeing Duole’s on the road representing the team and wearing the team colors. In one of his nominations is said, “It makes him feel like he has made a difference and has gotten one more person out on the road. His goal has always been get as many people to ride as possible so it has made him very happy to see the team grow from the ten people in the beginning to what it is today.” We are grateful for you Tom and your team honors you with this yellow jersey.

Kristin Anderson
Since 1984, Mi Duole has always had a strong group of male riders. For several years now, Kristin Anderson has not only blazed her way through every dark, early, cold morning with the men’s training team, but she has become as strong as the group. Kristin has also been a gateway to bringing on new female riders and growing the Mi Duole team. Over the last two years, we’ve had 3 female Mi Duole racers on the podium at LOTOJA! In that same vein, she now helps drive new young female riders in the high school mountain biking programs. Kristin is major part of the day-to-day organization of the Mi Duole team. From designing kits, to hosting kit pick-ups, to planning team rides and attending all team rides … she does it all. She calls this group of cyclists, “family.” Kristin is KIND but GRTTY. COMPETITIVE but also COMPASSIONATE. She has been instrumental in the growth and success of Mi Duole’s culture! She brings balance and a level head to the sometimes-rambunctious actions of this group. Her perspective and strength are an example to all those who ride with her. Simply put, she is the epitome of what Mi Duole represents in every way both on and off the bike. For these reasons, her teammates and friends have nominated her to wear yellow. We couldn’t be more excited to present a Yellow Jersey to The First Female Rider (that’s a BIG deal) - Kristin Anderson

Jim Hutton
I was introduced to Jim Hutton in 2006! Jim was a regular that was there every morning, and though 20 years older than me, was still stronger than me?! I was learning, and Jim Hutton was an outgoing Team Member. Jim will always finish any ride. Always. To steal from the Post Office —"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays (Jim Hutton) from the swift completion of (his) appointed rounds.” – Chris Peterson. He’s the most durable rider we’ve ever known. We tease Jim that if there ever was a nuclear apocalypse, he would be the last and only surviving organism on the planet. Jim is generous and welcoming. As you can see, we are here hosted by Jim and his family at Team Camp. Thank you! This year, Jim will complete his 20th LOTOJA! We all hope to finish our 20th LOTOJA someday.

2020 Yellow Jerseys

Geno Smith
Along with Chris Peterson, Geno Smith managed and carried the Mi Duole Team before Stu and I took over for them.  I was a young, new member of the team, and the name “GENO” was just known as the King Pin of Mi Duole.  Naturally, I wanted to get to know Geno, ride with him, and before I knew it, he was a very strong mentor of mine.  What piqued my interest immediately was that Geno wanted to win.  He wanted to train specifically to the race we’d be racing that week.  There were ongoing conversations regarding the event or race throughout the week – in order to be most prepared, and race day would come.  And Geno would execute.  I raced the Snowbird Hill Climb with Geno a couple years in a row (no longer a race) – and then the inaugural Tour of Utah which was called 300 Warriors, and Geno led that entire race, and Ed Chauner won the Snowbird finish that day!  That event is very memorable to me. Geno has always had a passion for mountain biking, and living in the mecca of trails, up in Park City, Geno has spent a lot of time in the dirt.  Therefore, Geno is an accomplished and decorated (race wins) in mountain biking.  Even to this day, Geno is on the most recent leaderboard for one of the faster times on the Park City Point to Point race. Geno set the tone for some of us younger riders who are now becoming older riders, and that’s the beauty of Mi Duole.  We have a long standing reputation of winning and mentor ship.

Tony Quinn
Anthony Badger Quinn, a well-respected judge and keen legal mind, died Thursday, October 24, 2013 in Salt Lake City. He was 60. Tony, an avid cyclist, was killed by a distracted driver while riding his bike up Millcreek Canyon. Tony was born September 9, 1953 in Fort Belvore, Virginia to Horace and Alice Quinn. The youngest of eight in a quintessentially military family, Tony spent his childhood in Greenwich, Connecticut before settling in Bountiful, Utah. After serving an LDS mission in Denmark, Tony completed a BA in History at BYU, where he subsequently enrolled in the J. Reuben Clark Law School. Perhaps most importantly, law school provided the context in which Tony met Drew Barton, the love of his life and eternal companion. Following graduation, Tony clerked for Judge David Winder in the District of Utah federal court, an experience that would later inspire him to become a judge. He then became a distinguished civil litigator, especially enjoying his years working with his older sister, Mary Ann Wood, at Wood, Quinn and Crapo. Governor Mike Leavitt appointed him to the Third District Court bench in 1997. As a judge, he always strove tirelessly to be fair and be prepared. Despite his disciplined and hard-working persona, he was always quick with a joke, kind and generous to those who knew him well. As much as Tony enjoyed legal work, his favorite pastime was cycling. Tony was an incredibly dedicated athlete. He trained year round with an eye toward LoToJa, which he completed 17 and ½ times. He was severely injured at LoToJa in 2012, but defied expectations (and doctor's orders) to complete another 200 mile race just seven months later. A stalwart defender of the law, a loving father and a doting grandfather, Tony influenced many people. He is survived by his wife Drew, his three children: John, Tom (Kati) and Analise (Mac); one grandchild: Ira Anthony; and seven brothers and sisters. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Ed Chauner
Ed Chauner is an all-star Wasatch Adaptive Ski Instructor and a key member of the Snowbird community.  Ed has taught every type of student, with every type of need, and been able to develop goals and accomplishments with those that need it most.  Cycling and Skiing have always been a large part of Ed’s life.  He has raced bikes since 1985 and mountain bikes since 1988.  He also competed in two Mountain bike XC World Championships and one US Road National Championship.  Ed has authored mountain bike clinic books, as well as owned the Intermountain Cup Mountain Bike series which carries on today!  In 1978, Ed started teaching skiing at Snowbird, and has been on the ski patrol team there as well.  Ed is a WAS Tour guide which is a very tough level to attain.  It basically means that this guy can do anything anywhere, and likely kick your butt getting there! If you follow Ed’s Strava page, you will find that many of his rides include taking others out that have a goal of riding a bike again or skiing again.  Ed makes this happen, and I don’t know how that big heart fits in that small frame of his!! To this day, if Ed decides to compete in the Porcupine Hill Climb, he will win his age group by a long shot!  We are grateful to have a true legend on our cycling team and appreciate his mentorship that he has had with many of us!! Side note:  Ed most recently joined our toughest ride of the year “The Scott Miles Crusher” but he did it on his road bike????  - just try riding your road bike up over Great Western to Park City in the dirt!!

Ken Jones
Ken has been actively engaged with keeping the team together and moving it forward for the better part of 30 years. Ken has also been the “pied piper” of cycling for many, bringing (or dragging - literally ) many of us into the cycling world. Dan Moser has said, "The first year I started training for LOTOJA in 1993, I started riding with Ken who had already raced LOTOJA a number of times finishing with very respectable times around 9:15. Despite him being much stronger than me, he trained with a number of us, including Chris Peterson and Tom Uriona, all summer usually pulling us in for the last 25 or 30 miles because I was too beat to help out. The first year we rode LOTOJA with Ken, he was more than willing to hang with a much slower group just so he could hang with his buddies. I doubt I would still be riding a bike having completed 20 LOTOJA’s were it not for Ken’s infectious enthusiasm.” To date Ken has completed 29 LOTOJA’s and has been a financial sponsor of the team (Jones Waldo) for years.
Ken can be being very competitive at the appropriate times, but doesn’t feel the need to show how strong he is every time he gets on the bike. He is more than willing to slow down to help the weaker guys out on the long, training rides. He rides in a way to make others stronger.

Jon Olson
Jon has become the epitome of what is called "a come back story”. I am nominating Jon because of the transformation that has taken place not only in his life, but the transformation thats taken place with his mind, body, and attitude. Watching him transform himself over the years has really shed a lot of strength and power on me and grateful for his attitude and commitment not only on the bike, but off the bike.

ENDURE THE HEAD WINDS by Holly Smith, Park City, Utah
My name is Holly and I have spent a number of years supporting my husband, Gene Smith. I have also spent years watching and supporting my brother, Jon. His story started when he was one month old. Since birth, Jon has been in and out of hospitals and has had more surgeries than I can count. He has had two kidney transplants. On top of all the necessary operations to save his life, Jon was in a horrific car accident that left his feet and knees shattered. Being told that he would never run again and have trouble walking, he was devastated. Jon has learned to live with his health issues (did I mention the Hepatitis C that he got through a blood transfusion when he was young that kills the liver) and give what he could when he was skiing or running. Physical activity never came easy for him and usually left him completely wiped out. But Jon wanted to do what everyone else was doing and loved being outside experiencing life like the healthy folk. So... after recovering from his last kidney transplant and foot and knee surgery, Jon was left with the question, what can I do? His only option at that time was to get a bike and take it out for daily casual rides and hope that someday he could go longer than an hour -- and maybe, just maybe, keep my husband and sister's wheels in his sight. Through it all, the pain and suffering, Jon has endured. He is a true hero, a true inspiration, and a true brother. And I can add to my list of happy days, September 8, 2012. Though it was a day of stress, fatigue, fear and sorrow, I have left room in all those emotions to celebrate a young man who has over come and is still overcoming. Jon rolled through that race, and yes, across the finish line with a respectable time of 10:14 — stronger than I have ever seen him. Evidently the boy has nine lives. Because there have been many occasions when the family heard the words “he’s probably not going to make it through the night.” But he has, all the way to LoToJa. He will continue on, inspiring me and reminding me that I have it pretty darn good even though I no longer can keep up with him or my sister on a bike. I can't even think of riding with my husband unless he has climbed all four Salt Lake area canyons in a morning. But at least I can ride a bike!

Jon is a true Duole. Enough said. Loves to suffer but also loves to take the time to get to know any newcomer to join a ride. He has shown over the years he is a leader by example. Doesn't use words to show leadership, he's a leader through his example and actions.

Chris Peterson
This Duole exemplifies in every way what we hope the team looks too. For that reason he is the first recipient of the Mi Duole Yellow Jersey. This jersey, which represents leadership, example, team work, courage, strength is gifted to Duole’s who in the eyes of the team have earned them. Much like the coveted “Yellow Jersey” it can’t be bought. His team has said of him, “Chris Peterson has been a faithful member of Mi Duole for years. He is first to team rides. He is crazy enough to ride the White Rim twice in a single day. He is a friend to all. He loves bikes and loves sharing biking with others even more. He is constantly happy, upbeat and encouraging to all those who know him, but most importantly he can suffer!” Like a true Duole, he is the living embodiment of “I suffer.”

Dave Sharp
Having stood on the podium of 15 of his 18 LOTOJAs Dave Sharp knows a thing or two about this sport, but mostly he is a mentor. Willing to share, coach and teach the younger generation of riders coming up through the ranks, Dave is always willing to share his years of experience. Don’t be fooled though - Sharp can lay down the hurt. It usually starts on that hill right before Affleck Park on the way up Big Mountain. He stands up out of the saddle and puts down a pace that most will roll their eyes at. His Mi Duole teammates said of him in his nominations, “He leads by example and is a true friend to those who follow. He is caring and kind. He is fiery and competitive.” On a side note, Sharp was also the team member to nominate another teammate to receive the honor of wearing a jersey.

Erik Olsen
He is always one of the first Mi Duoles that any new member of the team meets. He is gracious and respectful. He is a skilled racer and brilliant tactician. He loves Mi Duole and has financially supported the team through his business for years. Erik Olsen is known to the younger riders as “The General” for his powerful leadership inside the LOTOJA peloton. Erik loves cycling and has done much to create a culture on the Duole team that we hope can be modeled for years and years. He trains hard and races smart. Erik is “all in” for this team and is a trusted friend and advocate for all we stand for.

Jake Cook
Not all yellow jersey are going to Mi Duole OGs. The younger generation of riders have rallied behind this leader because of his work ethic, positive attitude and attendance at virtually every Duole ride you could be on. Jake Cook deserves our recognition for his tireless efforts to grow the Mi Duole team. He not only contributes to the team as a sponsor, but he is also our biggest advocate. He is welcoming, but also competitive. He is loyal to the team and what we stand for. He has brought onto the team an incredible generation of up-and-comers who will be the next generation of Duole - representing us for years to come.

His teammates said of Jake, “He brought me into this group and completely embodies everything it means to be a Duole. He changed my life by allowing me into this team, constantly waits for me, pulls me always, and encourages me and everyone else around him. I am forever grateful. He is kind, motivating, patient, inclusive, fun, and hard working. He is a true leader and cares about the team and it’s members. He deserves to be recognized for his leadership.”