Evelyn Stevens has been making headlines this week. She helped Specialized-lululemon win the Worlds Team Time Trial, earned a bronze medal in the individual time trial, and was at the center of one of the most talked about team transfers in women’s cycling.

Stevens has been with Specialized-lululemon since 2011, and is moving with those sponsors to the Dutch Boels-Dolmans squad for 2015.

We caught up with the American rider to talk Worlds, teams, and what’s next for her on the road to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Leading into the World Team Time Trial Championship, Specialized-lululemon suffered a training crash that saw you, Carmen Small, and Lisa Brennauer on the ground. How did that affect your race?
Unfortunately, crashing happens in cycling. I think the team was lucky that we had it happen in training and not in the race. It definitely made us more aware the next day, you need to always stay present on the bike and be aware that your actions will have an impact on the entire team. On Sunday, we regained the trust of each other’s wheels and knew that to win, we had to ride as a team and we did. Fortunately, it is such an adrenaline rush that after the first few kilometers, I forgot all about my separated shoulder.

What went through your head when you realized you needed to go for X-rays?
I was in quite a lot of pain and kept passing out after the crash happened, so I was a bit worried that something might be broken. Yet, I turned to [team director] Kristy and said, if it is broken I am still racing the TTT. She smiled and said we will approach that if we need to. So when I learned it was just a separated shoulder, it was such a relief. I think it made me appreciate racing the TTT and ITT even more, because I came close to losing the opportunity.

Specialized-lululemon has won the TTT for three years in a row. How did it feel knowing that this was the last time you were going to win as a team?
To be honest, I wasn't thinking about next year leading up to the TTT or during it. I just wanted to focus on winning with a group of incredible teammates and staff. The whole team did a great job of just racing in the moment and celebrating and enjoying our win and hard work. Now that a few days have passed, you begin to reflect. I feel so lucky that I have been able to win three TTTs with Specialized lululemon. Change is always a challenge, but I am looking forward to the challenge of racing the TTT next year with Boels-Dolmans—and of course we will want to win!

Why did you decide to make the move with Specialized to Boels-Dolmans?
I think it is always important to continue to grow, develop and to challenge yourself. I have raced a great five years with Specialized lululemon and I thought this was the year for me to make a change. Boels-Dolmans is a great team and has had a great season and I feel like it is the best place for me to continue to develop as an athlete. It is also great for me to continue with Specialized as a technical sponsor, I love their bikes, helmets, shoes, etc. and am very happy to know I will stay with them for the next two years, especially in the lead-up to Rio. I also think it is a great sign for women's cycling that there are now more top-notch teams for women to race for.

What's next for you after Worlds?
After Worlds, I fly to my parents’ house in Cape Cod and get to have some quality family time. After that, I return back to my home in San Francisco and enjoy my off-season with my friends and family.