John brought his European racing experience and his big engine to North America and worked diligently to help the team succeed in 2007. While working hard for the team he also found his way onto the podium on a number of occasions, including winning the time trial stage of the Tri Peaks Challenge. Look for more from John in '08.

Date of Birth/Location: 12.15.84; Jacksonville, FL

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 176 lbs

Current Residence: Athens, GA

Education (include years): Two years of college

Years Racing: 10

Years as a Pro: 2

Previous Team(s)/Year(s):
Health Net Presented by Maxxis (2007), USA U23 National Team (2005-06), Jittery Joe's (2004), Krystal Elite Cycling Team (2003), Colorado Altitude Training MTB Team (2001-02), Gary Fisher Grassroots MTB Team (2000), J&J Schwinn Cycling Team (1998-99)

Strengths on the bike: Sprinting, Break-aways

Strengths off the bike: Relaxing, Sleeping

Nickname: Murphdog

Family Status: Single

Favorite Movies: Borat, Talladega Nights, Old School, Anchorman - Will Ferrell is the man.

Currently on my iPod: Incubus, Bloc Party, Hard-Fi, Staind, Panic At the Disco, Funeral For a Friend, Seether, and much, much more.

Little known fact about Ryder: Although I have been racing for ten years, I spend the first six years racing mountain bikes. Just my 5th season of road racing coming up.

Website/Blog: www.jpmurph.com

Palmares

Career Highlights
2005 U23 World Championship Team Member
2005 Superweek U23 Overall Winner
2002 Sea Otter MTB Junior X Winner

Wins:

2006
1st Vinkt-Deinse Kermesse (Belgium)

2005
1st Overall Super Week U23
1st Valley of the Sun Road Race

2004
1st Georgia Cup Overall and Most Aggressive Rider
1st Georgia State Time Trial Championship
1st Brooks Criterium (GA)
1st Cherry Blossom Road Race GA Cup #2
1st The Southend Crit (N.C.)
1st Morganton Cycling Classic Time Trial- (Tenn.)
1st Bishop Classic Criterium (GA)
1st LaGrange Georgia Cup Finals Time Trial

2003
1st Shelby County Stage Race Criterium (AL)
1st Stage 7, Tour of Ohio
1st Velo Clips Road Race

Other Major Results:

2007
2nd Stage 1, Edgar Soto Memorial Stage Race
3rd Overall Edgar Soto Memorial Stage Race
5th Stage 3, Nature Valley Grand Prix
6th Stage 3, Edgar Soto Memorial Stage Race
7th Stage 4, Edgar Soto Memorial Stage Race
10th Stage 1, Elk Grove

2006
2nd Buckhead GA Cup finals Criterium
3rd Roeselare Criterium (Belgium)
3rd Highland Rim Road Classic
4th Izegem Kermesse
5th Zillebeke 1.12

2005
3rd Wakkin Kermesse
4th Stage 4, Tour of Antwerp (2.12)
5th Superweek Beverly Hills Cycling Classic

2004
4th Stage 4, Tour Del Sol Mexico

2003
2nd Stage 3, Tour of Ohio
3rd Stage 2, Tour of Ohio
3rd Stage 5, Tour of Ohio
4th Stage 6, Tour of Ohio

In his own words

2007 was your first year back racing in North America after a couple years with the national U23 team in Europe. How did it feel to come back to the States full time?

It was great. Obviously, I had a slow start due to breaking my pelvis at the first race of the year (Merced, CA). I had great support from the team throughout my seven weeks of "healing." When I came back at Joe Martin, there was a lot of speculation as to how I would be. I was really ready to work as well as race. After Joe Martin I got my first win at the Tri Peaks TT. That gave the team a bit of confidence that I was back and ready. It was a lot of fun all year.

What are your goals or expectations for the 2008 season?

My goals are to help the team win stages whenever I can. On a personal level I want to continue to improve my time trialing as well my sprint. I know I have a good sprint but everything has to go right for me to use it. I just want to keep progressing and getting experience.

Do you expect to get a few more opportunities to ride for yourself in 2008?

For sure. I think that my time trials for this year should allow me to go for more in 08'. Maybe I will get a chance to show my sprint this year as well.

How did you spend this off-season?

Off my bike.

When did you start racing, and why?

I started racing in 1997. I love the adrenaline rush of racing.

Who were/are your cycling mentors and/or influences?

My coach, Jason Tullous. He is a masters world champ who has done it all. Thanks Jason. I also couldn't do this without my parents' support. They have always supported me in everything.

What was your first bike? When/how did you get it?

The first bike I owned was a 1997 Raleigh M400 mountain bike. Thanks again Mom and Dad. It was dark blue and I replaced every part on it while racing my first two years. And by doing that I learned to take a bike apart and put it back together. Self taught.

What was your first win?

My first race, hah. It was in Newnan, GA, and I was doing the 1st timers race. Maybe that is what actually gave me the motivation to keep on racing. Junior mountain biking was so much fun.

What would you consider your finest moment on the bike?

I would have to go back to 2005 when I made the break at the Athens Twilight Crit. I had started in the very back and it took me 45 minutes just to catch the chase group. It was raining and racers were getting dropped one after another. After almost an hour in I made it to the front group, and then bam, the break went. I chased after it and made it. I think only 30 people finished. It's one of the craziest races in the world and all the college kids and spectators get so into it. Maybe it's all the beer they drink. With Athens being my home town now, it's a special race for me. It's one I plan on winning in the future for sure.

What was your worst or most embarrassing moment on the bike?

Breaking my pelvis in Merced, CA.

What's the strangest thing you've seen on a bike ride?

I was riding with my best bud Todd Henriksen on some local roads where we grew up in Marietta, GA. He was ahead of me and I saw a bird fly right into his rear wheel. Poof, feathers went everywhere. We stopped immediately, but there was no sign of the poor bird. Moments later, it fell from the sky right next to us. It must have been airborne for 20 seconds. It was unreal.

What's the strangest thing you've done on a bike ride?

I rode a wheelie all the way up this climb out in San Diego. It was like a 15 minute climb, so it was tough riding it up all the way. Not that strange, but you don't do something like that everyday. Matt Crane was there, ask him about it.

What's the one thing you've done on a ride (training or race) that you will absolutely never do again?

A no-handed wheelie.

When you're not on your bike, what do you like to do?

Recover and chill with friends.

If you weren't a professional cyclist, what would you be doing?

Working at a bike shop trying to be a pro cyclist.