The Indiana University Little 500 race, a celebrated event with deep-rooted traditions, has seen a remarkable transformation over the years. Since 1988, sororities and residence hall teams have dominated this prestigious competition. However, Novus Cycling, a small but formidable team, is breaking through these barriers. In their debut year, they achieved an impressive sixth place finish, positioning themselves as serious contenders. This year, as they aim for the podium, Dorothy Curran-Munoz, the founder and driving force behind Novus Cycling, shares her journey and insights into what makes her team so exceptional.

Dorothy Curran-Munoz's path to becoming a cyclist was anything but straightforward. Born and raised in Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, she moved to the United States at the age of sixteen. Her family settled in Mishawaka, Indiana, due to her mother's ties to the region and proximity to her brother who attended Purdue University. After graduating from high school in South Bend, Dorothy chose Indiana University (IU) for its affordability, location, and scholarship opportunities. It was here that she discovered the Little 500, an experience that would profoundly shape her college life.

Dorothy majored in International Studies and East Asian Languages and Culture, focusing on Mandarin Chinese, while minoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Her dream career lies at the intersection of these fields, inspired by her work with a grassroots organization in Cambodia studying the environmental impact of large-scale infrastructure projects. This summer, she plans to work at a bike shop and continue racing domestically, embracing her passion for cycling while exploring future opportunities.

Cycling entered Dorothy's life unexpectedly. Her first memories of biking were in Phnom Penh, where she rode a sparkly purple bicycle adorned with white tassels. Though she occasionally cycled with her mother during the pandemic, it wasn't until college that she fully embraced the sport. Initially considering rugby, she ultimately found her place in cycling after being invited to join a team. Her decision to start Novus Cycling stemmed from witnessing the challenges faced by smaller, non-Greek teams in the Little 500.

As the founder and leader of Novus Cycling, Dorothy faced numerous challenges building a team from scratch. She navigated the complexities of establishing a culture, setting standards, fundraising, recruiting, and maintaining morale—all while fostering camaraderie among teammates. Her leadership style evolved, emphasizing communication, delegation, and perseverance. The team's success speaks volumes about her dedication and vision. Every member contributes uniquely, creating an environment rooted in silliness, drive, loyalty, and compassion.

In their inaugural year, Novus placed thirteenth, followed by a significant leap to sixth place last year. Their goal for this year? To secure a spot on the podium. Despite competing against teams with decades of experience and substantial resources, Novus has demonstrated remarkable progress in just two and a half years. Dorothy attributes their achievements to grit, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Regardless of their final position, the team's unwavering commitment to each other and their shared dreams defines their victory.

Pressure looms large heading into the race, with media attention and public expectations mounting. Yet, Dorothy reminds herself and her team that the journey matters more than the outcome. On race day, amidst the chaos and adrenaline, staying present and trusting instincts becomes paramount. Navigating the deteriorating track surface requires focus, adaptability, and teamwork.

When not cycling, Dorothy indulges in reading, art, cooking, and long walks. Her love for painting shines through her recent project—decorating 130 t-shirts for race day supporters. Training rides bring unexpected moments, like spotting a lone potato on the side of a road or assisting a teammate with a nosebleed using unconventional methods. These experiences underscore the unique bond shared by Novus Cycling members.

Tomorrow, as the Little 500 unfolds, all eyes will be on Novus Cycling. Their journey from underdog to contender exemplifies the power of determination, teamwork, and passion. Whether they achieve their podium goal or not, their story inspires others to embrace challenges and pursue dreams wholeheartedly.