Huffman, a multi-sport athlete at Elk Grove High School in California, first competed in cycling in 2007 and rode for California Polytechnic State University the following year.[1] He first attracted international attention with several time-trial victories and an under-age-23 national championship in 2012 while riding for the Cal-Giant team.[1]
2013–2015
Greatly increasing his international experience, Huffman joined Astana, then the sport's No. 1-ranked WorldTour team, in 2013.[1] His placement on the team was due in great part to the efforts of Specialized Bicycle Components.[5] Going to Astana as the lone American and living in Europe while away from his home and family was difficult for him. Additionally, getting lost in the shuffle of a large team[5] led to infrequent racing, few notable results, and returning to California without a contract for 2015. He then joined Team SmartStop which folded the same year.[5]
2016–2017
Huffman rode for Rally Cycling in 2016 and had a breakthrough year culminating with earning the King of the Mountains jersey at the 2016 Tour of California. For Huffman, 2017 was a season unparalleled success for himself and for his team.[6] He took first overall in the Tour of Alberta and the Tour of the Gila road races. In addition to winning stages 4 and 7 in the Tour of California, Huffman was twice awarded the Blue Jersey given to the most courageous rider at the end of each stage.[7]
After the Tour of Alberta win, Huffman commented about his success: "I don't know what's better, two wins in California or the overall here. Earlier this year Tour of the Gila was the biggest before this, so I've just really shown a lot of progression in a short amount of time over the last two years with this team."[8]
Personal life
Huffman dons a tattoo on his inner forearms and another across his chest, all designations of his Christianity. On Huffman's left forearm is a tattoo that says "Truth" and on his right, "Grace." He added the tattoos at the end of 2014 when he returned to the United States from Europe; they remind him of why he rides, races and sacrifices.[1][5] He married his wife Heather in October 2017,[1] and resides in Northern California.
