This week’s Tour de Connecticut spotlight features three riders who bring a mix of entrepreneurial energy, hometown pride, and climate-conscious leadership to the road. From co-founding startups to championing sustainability, each of them is excited to pedal across the state and celebrate what makes Connecticut special.

🎬Daniel Caridi

Hometown: Greenwich, CT
Role: Co-Founder & CEO, Kibu

Why He Rides:
Daniel first discovered the Tour through social media clips and knew he had to join. “Any excuse to use my job as a workout is also appreciated,” he jokes. While he may not know the route inside and out, he’s excited to follow the pack and take in Connecticut’s greenery.

Pump-up Song:
“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen — the perfect anthem for a high-energy ride.

How He Prepares:
Daniel takes a no-frills approach to training. “I did a half marathon last year with zero training. Although I couldn’t walk the next day, I still finished. I’ll be applying that same mentality here!”

💡 Leland Holcomb

Hometown: Milford, CT
Role: Senior Innovation Associate, CSAA Insurance Group

Why He Rides:
A longtime fan of the Tour, Leland knew he couldn’t miss this third ride. “It feels like the perfect full-circle moment,” he says, thanking his CI friends for giving him the chance to join. “Connecticut is beautiful, and this ride is such a special way to celebrate the people and places that make it shine.”

Pump-up Song:
While he usually rides without music, Tame Impala’s “End of Summer” has become his seasonal anthem and go-to mindset song.

Most Excited For:
Leland is especially looking forward to the Milford to New Haven section — a ride through his roots. “I have so many great memories biking around Milford and joining Folks on Spokes.”

🌎 Casey Pickett

Hometown: New Haven, CT
Role: Managing Director, ClimateHaven

Why He Rides:
“I love this state; I love spending time with CI friends; and I love biking. Where else would I want to be?” Casey says. For him, the Tour combines all three.

Favorite Local Spot:
Athletic Brewing, especially their Lemon Radler. “It tastes like summertime for fun-loving adults.”

Mission in Motion:
At ClimateHaven, Casey leads efforts to accelerate breakthrough technology solutions in energy and climate resilience. “We do this work to make the world more livable, and we love living in it while getting to know it better.”