Virginia’s Blue Ridge Sports Council Welcomes Newest Member Nicola Cranmer

January 7, 2025

Renowned Sports Leader Brings Expertise in Athlete Development and Community Engagement to Virginia's Blue Ridge

ROANOKE, VA — December 7, 2024 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR) Sports Council is proud to announce its newest member, Nicola Cranmer, General Manager of the UCI Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY24 Pro Cycling Team. Cranmer joins a distinguished group of leaders dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and economy of Virginia’s Blue Ridge through the promotion and hosting of youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting events.

The Virginia’s Blue Ridge Sports Council aims to position the region as a premier destination for sports tourism activity that’s welcoming to athletes, teams, and families. Its mission emphasizes leveraging the area’s exceptional location, climate, and facilities to create opportunities for sports events that inspire community engagement and economic impact.

“We’re excited to welcome Nicola Cranmer, General Manager of the UCI Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY24 Pro Cycling Team to the VBR Sports Council. Nicola’s professional career experiences in cycling around the globe will be a wonderful addition to our mission” states Doug Blount, Assistant Roanoke County Administrator & Chair of the VBR Sports Council.

Cranmer brings unparalleled expertise in athlete development and international sports management to the Council. With two decades of experience leading one of the United States’ most successful women’s cycling teams, Cranmer has developed a reputation for fostering talent and creating pathways for athletes to excel both on and off the field.

“I feel very inspired by being in Roanoke, Virginia,” Cranmer said. “It’s a small town without big professional sports teams, and yet it’s rich with grassroots efforts and dedicated communities who pour their hearts into developing athletes and sports tourism activity. Traditional and nontraditional sports are deeply valued here, and that resonates with me. There’s a monumental effort happening in Virginia’s Blue Ridge to create world-class athletes and hosting nationally recognized sport championships.”  

As a member of the Council, Cranmer will bring her unique global perspective and extensive experience in athlete development, rooted in her background as a Roanoke resident and her international upbringing. Originally from England, Cranmer grew up in a sports-mad family—her father played soccer and cricket, rugby and was All-England in javelin, while her mother played collegiate Lacrosse and worked for the Football Association, the governing body of soccer in the UK. She was one of the very few women in the FA at that time. While Cranmer’s professional focus has been on cycling, she is a passionate supporter of all sports. Her diverse insights, shaped by her global experiences and local engagement, will support the Council’s efforts to elevate the region’s sports market and enhance its national and international reputation.

“I’m excited to bring value to Virginia’s Blue Ridge by helping position it as an athlete development incubator,” Cranmer added. “Whether it’s Roanoke College’s cycling team led by Olympian Shelley Olds, all of our regional Parks and Recreation organizations, the Roanoke Star Cycling programs, YMCA Sports Leagues or LAB Sports Performance’s dedication to developing baseball, lacrosse, and soccer athletes, this is just a few examples of the incredible commitment here in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Being part of this community effort is very meaningful to me.”

The Virginia’s Blue Ridge Sports Council is composed of representatives from various jurisdictions and organizations, including the City of Roanoke, City of Salem, Botetourt County, Franklin County, and Roanoke County. Each member contributes their expertise to help shape the future of sports tourism in the region.

Cranmer’s addition to the Council underscores Virginia’s Blue Ridge’s commitment to creating opportunities for all athletes, from grassroots participants to professionals, while building a community that values innovation and collaboration in sports development.

About Virginia’s Blue Ridge Sports Council
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Sports Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and economic growth of the region through the promotion and hosting of sports events. With its location in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia’s Blue Ridge offers accessibility, exceptional facilities, and a climate conducive to outdoor sports year-round. By fostering collaboration among communities and stakeholders, the Council works to position the region as a premier sports tourism destination. More about the VBR Sports Council here.

Media Contact: John Oney / Nicola Cranmer

Email: joney@visitvbr.com teamtwenty24@gmail.com

Photo: Erin Millar