Meet Liza Rachetto

Liza Rachetto is an American athlete, coach, and lifelong competitor whose career spans swimming, triathlon, and 17 years as a professional cyclist. A Kona Ironman Age Group World Champion and one of the most experienced women cyclists in the U.S., Liza’s work is grounded in the belief that sport can be both high-performing and sustainable across a lifetime.

Athletic roots + education

Liza’s athletic journey began in Boise, Idaho, where she discovered swimming at age 10. Encouraged by family, friends, and a positive team environment, she quickly learned to love hard work and consistency.

She went on to earn a scholarship at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Medicine and Physical Education. During her collegiate career, Liza was a 200m Breaststroke record holder and served as team captain for three years, experiences that laid the foundation for her future coaching philosophy and understanding of physiology, performance, and injury prevention.

From triathlon to the world stage

After college, Liza transitioned into triathlon, racing her first event in 1997. What started as a challenging sprint race quickly became a passion. Within a few years, she was competing at the ITU World Championships and racing her first Ironman in Kona in 1999.

Cycling soon took center stage. After purchasing her first road bike near the end of college, Liza rose quickly through the ranks, earning podium finishes and national team selections. By 2005, she relocated to Italy to race professionally, marking the beginning of a 17–year career at the highest level of women’s cycling.

Professional cycling career

Liza raced for top UCI teams in the U.S. and Europe, including Team TIBCO, Hagens Berman | Supermint, DNA Pro Cycling, Vanderkitten, Chirio–Forno d’Asolo, and Fanini Data Systems. She competed in many of the world’s most prestigious events, including:

Giro Donne
Primavera Rosa
Flèche Wallonne
Amgen Tour of California
Trophée d’Or

Throughout her career, Liza became known not just as a competitor but as a team-first athlete and leader. She has always been someone who understood how to elevate teammates and create success within challenging environments.

In 2007, Liza was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, forcing her to step away temporarily from racing. When she returned, she did so with a renewed perspective, embracing leadership roles and serving as a road captain while continuing to compete at the highest level.

Defying limits: Ironman + longevity

Beginning in 2012, Liza reintroduced Ironman racing alongside her professional cycling career, challenging the assumption that athletes with arthritis could not perform at elite endurance events.

Over a decade, she completed 20 full Ironman races, earning:

16 Age Group wins
2 Overall Ironman victories
8 Kona qualifications
5 Kona Age Group podiums
2022 Ironman World Championship (45–49) Champion

Her final professional cycling race came with DNA Pro Cycling, where she finished her career doing what she loved most—supporting teammates and contributing to a win.

Coaching
philosophy

Liza believes that successful athletes at every level share a core set of values:

A positive, resilient attitude
Adaptability in changing conditions
Accountability and punctuality
Clear, respectful communication
Curiosity, energy, and teamwork
Respect for equipment, preparation, and presentation

She also believes sport should remain fun, engaging, and community-driven. Finding the right people, setting meaningful goals, exploring new places, and honoring individual rhythms are key to long-term success.

Coaching + giving back

Today, Liza channels her experience into coaching and mentorship. She is a coach for the USA Cycling Women’s Junior Development Pathway Program and the founder of Liza Coaching, LLC.

She continues to race selectively at local and gravel events alongside junior and collegiate athletes, believing that shared experience is one of the most powerful teaching tools in sport. Her coaching focuses on helping athletes balance ambition with health, longevity, and joy.

The coach–athlete relationship

Liza prioritizes trust, communication, and individualized support. Every coaching relationship begins with an in-depth conversation to understand goals, communication styles, and life context.

Her approach emphasizes:

Clear, centralized training plans
Regular macro-level reviews and adjustments
Ongoing, honest communication
Flexibility during setbacks and life changes
Safe Sport-compliant practices for all athletes

Liza advocates for athletes and believes strong coaching relationships are built through collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect.