Name: Giana Chilcott

Birthdate: December 16, 1970

Hometown: Santa Rosa, California

Education: BA Skidmore College, Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Cum Laude

Degree: English

Top Professional Cycling Accomplishments:

• Directed the Saturn Cycling Team to the No. 1 UCI Women’s Team ranking in the world for three consecutive seasons. 
• Won the Women’s World Cup with the Saturn Cycling Team.
• Won the Philadelphia Cycling Classic multiple times with very different types of athletes, including climbers, sprinters, and all-around riders.
• Helped athletes successfully transition from U.S. racing to competing in Europe.
• Contributed to the development of Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28, a program with more than 20 years of history developing women and junior cyclists.
• Mentored the next generation of women and junior cyclists, helping athletes develop confidence, skills, and long-term potential.
• Raised an exceptional son, an accomplishment that remains the most meaningful personally.

About Giana:

Giana Chilcott is an accomplished figure in American women's cycling, with a distinguished career as both an elite athlete and director. As a rider, she was a member of the U.S. National Team, representing the United States throughout Europe in many of the world's premier races. She was a multiple-time Masters National and World Time Trial Champion and earned numerous podium finishes in national road race competitions.

She later transitioned into team leadership, directing the legendary Saturn Cycling Team to the No. 1 UCI team ranking in the world for three consecutive seasons. As a director, she guided athletes to multiple U.S. National Championships, World Championship medals, and Olympic Games.

Today, Giana serves as Director of UCI Team Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28, where she mentors elite women and junior athletes, helping develop the next generation of champions through strategic race leadership, tactical coaching, and athlete development. Widely respected for her ability to build cohesive, high-performing teams, Giana combines decades of international racing experience with a passion for developing confident, resilient athletes both on and off the bike.

What inspired you to become a coach? 

What inspired me to become a coach is my love of teaching and helping athletes discover what they're truly capable of. There is nothing more rewarding than watching someone achieve something they once believed was only a dream and helping them turn that dream into reality.

I enjoy recognizing potential in athletes—sometimes before they see it in themselves—and helping them unlock it. Whether it's developing technical skills, race tactics, confidence, or resilience, I find tremendous fulfillment in guiding athletes to become the very best version of themselves, both in sport and in life.

Best tip for a new bike racer?

Be patient with the process and focus on mastering the fundamentals.

Fitness comes with time, but skills last a lifetime. Learn how to ride confidently in a group, corner smoothly, position yourself in the peloton, communicate with other riders, and ride predictably. Those skills will make you faster, safer, and far more successful than simply riding harder.

Most importantly, don't compare yourself to where someone else is today. Compare yourself to where you were yesterday. Consistent, incremental improvement is what creates great cyclists. Celebrate the small victories—they're the building blocks of the big ones.

Remember: Talent may get you started, but curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to learn are what carry you to your full potential.

Favorite ride food?

Precision Fuel and Hydration

Favorite post ride/race meal? 

After a big training day or race, my favorite recovery meal is grilled salmon with roasted baby potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a big, refreshing glass of chocolate milk. It's delicious, naturally gluten-free, and the perfect combination of protein and carbohydrates to refuel and recover for the next adventure on the bike.

Motivational warm up song: 

Anything off my mix of “Alternative Endurance” music … For me, though, the best warm-up song isn't just about getting fired up—it's about finding the right balance of confidence and composure. I want to arrive at the start line focused, calm, and believing I am ready.

 Best advice you’ve ever been given?

"Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on becoming better than you were yesterday."

"Character is revealed when no one is watching."

"Be where your feet are."

"The outcome takes care of itself when you commit to the process."

Favorite words of inspiration:

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
— Robert Collier

"Champions aren't made in the finish line. They're made on the days no one is watching." (Adapted from the spirit of many coaching sayings.)

My own quote: My job isn't to tell athletes how good they are. My job is to help them become the athlete they're capable of becoming.

How can you help a client reach their goal? 

Helping someone reach their goals starts with listening. I take the time to understand where they are today, where they want to go, what motivates them, and what obstacles may stand in their way. From there, we create a personalized, realistic plan with measurable milestones that builds on their strengths while developing the areas that will help them continue to grow.

My role is to provide experience, honest feedback, clear communication, accountability, encouragement, and sometimes a different perspective—helping clients recognize potential they may not yet see in themselves. Success isn't built in one defining moment; it's achieved through consistent, purposeful steps. My goal isn't simply to help someone reach a result, but to develop the confidence, skills, and mindset that will allow them to continue succeeding long after we've worked together.

Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Tele-Consultation with Giana