Kristin Armstrong Savola

“You Learn to Win By Learning to Lose” -

D.O.B.: 8.11.73

Birth city and state: Memphis, Tennessee

Current City: Boise, Idaho

Height: 5’8’

Specialty: Time Trial

Previous sports: I played them all!

Years racing: 13 years with a three-year break J

Colleges attended: University of Idaho

Degree: B.S. Sports Science

Born in 1973 into a military family, Armstrong spent her early childhood in Tennessee, California and overseas before attending high school in Japan. She later earned an undergraduate degree in Sports Science from the University of Idaho.

Prior to becoming one of the world's top competitive road cyclists, Kristin was a world-class runner, swimmer and triathlete. She's even a veteran of multisport's most grueling event, having competed in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in 1999. During her career as a professional triathlete, Kristin was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hips and was forced away from high-impact activities such as running. Cycling was considered the best form of therapy for her condition, and by 2003 Kristin was recognized as one of the top American cyclists.

After placing eighth in the road race in her Olympic debut in Athens in 2004, Kristin Armstrong returned to the Olympics in 2008 and set such a scorching pace in the women's time trial that no rival could match it. She went on to collect her second world time trial title in 2009 before retiring at the end of the season.

While pregnant in 2010, Kristin remained heavily involved in cycling. In addition to directing the Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12 team, she also hosted the Kristin Armstrong Cycling Academy, which gave cyclists of all ages camp-style coaching that focuses on skill and technique, as well as goal-setting.

After taking a one-year break to give birth to her first child, Lucas, Kristin and her husband, Joe Savola, announced in the fall of 2010 that she would rejoin the sport. Kristin returned to her gold-medal form to once again win the women's time trial at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Just when we all thought she was going out on top, Kristin announced that she was going for gold yet again – in Rio.

She is a co-owner of K-Edge Cycling Solutions, a component manufacturer that got its start designing and manufacturing chain catchers for Kristin's Olympic bikes. As well as going for gold in Rio Kristin is employed by St. Luke’s Health System as the Community Health Director. Her vision – to help make Boise become one of the healthiest communities to live. Armstrong currently makes her home in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Joe Savola and their son Lucas.

Career Highlights:

OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE/UCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS

  • 2012 Olympic Games — London, England (; )
  • 2009 UCI Road World Championships — Mendrisio, Switzerland (1st in Time Trial; 4th in Road Race)
  • 2008 Olympic Games — Beijing, China (Gold Medal in Women's Time Trial)
  • 2007 UCI Road World Championships — Stuttgart, Germany (2nd in Time Trial; 13th in Road Race)
  • 2006 UCI Road World Championships — Salzburg, Austria (1st in Time Trial; 38th in Road Race)
  • 2005 UCI Road World Championships — Madrid, Spain (3rd in Time Trial; 17th in Road Race)
  • 2004 Olympics Games — Athens, Greece (8th in Women's Road Race)

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

2015 USA Cycling Elite Time Trial National Champion

  • 2007 USA Cycling Elite Time Trial National Champion
  • 2006 USA Cycling Elite Time Trial National Champion
  • 2006 USA Cycling Elite Road Race National Champion
  • 2005 USA Cycling Elite Time Trial National Champion
  • 2004 USA Cycling Elite Road Race National Champion

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • 1st place — 2015 Colorado Pro Challenge – Overall
  • 1st place — 2011 & 2012 Amgen Tour of California Women's Time Trial
  • 1st place — 2012 Merco Cycling Classic, Merced, Calif.
  • 1st place — 2012 Tour of the Gila, Silver City, N.M. — Overall, Stages 1, 2, 3, 5
  • 2nd place — 2012 Tour of Flanders, Belgium
  • 1st place — 2012 San Dimas Stage Race — Overall, Stages 1, 2
  • 1st place — 2012 Energiewacht Tour — Stage 1 (ITT)
  • 1st place — 2012 Women's Tour Of New Zealand — Stage 1
  • 2nd place — 2011 Chrono des Nations, France
  • 1st place — 2011 Aspen/Snowmass Women's Pro Stage Race — Overall, Stage 2
  • 1st place — 2011 Sea Otter Classic — Overall, Criterium, Road Race, Time Trial
  • 1st place — 2009 SRAM Tour of the Gila — Stages 1, 3, 5 and Overall Classification
  • 1st place — 2009 Tour de L'aude Cycliste Féminin — Stage 6 
  • 1st place — 2009 Tour de Berne World Cup
  • 1st place — 2008 Tour of New Zealand — Overall
  • 1st place — 2007 Holland Ladies Tour — Overall
  • 1st place — 2007 Souvenir Magali Pache Lausanne — Time Trial
  • 1st place — 2007 Tour de Toona — Overall
  • 1st place — 2007 Nature Valley Grand Prix — Overall
  • 1st place — 2006 Tour de Toona — Overall
  • 1st place — 2006 Nature Valley Grand Prix — Overall

What inspired you to become a bike racer?

I was inspired by injury.  I was competing as a triathlete and unfortunately and now I see it, as “fortunately” I could no longer run because of hip pain. “As one door closes another opens”, this was truly the case for me.

Who is an inspiration to you in your life, both on and off the bike?

This depends on the day – I am inspired by so many on and off the bike.  I love seeing others go after and accomplish their dreams not only in sport but also in life. This is what continually inspires me.

Favorite meal when training?

Oatmeal in the morning and Sushi at night

The best thing about being a bike racer is?

What is there not to love… setting goals, fierce competition, highs, lows, strategy, technology, traveling the world – THE JOURNEY!

What is your biggest accomplishment on the bike?

2 x Olympic Gold – Beijing & London

Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?

My favorite race is the Tour des Flandres – its absolutely EPIC and the fans are amazing.  There is nothing like it!

Favorite cross training or off-season activity?

I enjoy hot-yoga and Nordic skiing (skate)

Best tip for a new bike racer?

Enjoy the journey and every minute you get to spend on your bike! You will always look back at this time as one of the best.

What is one of two things that you do daily that is the key to your success?

Focus

If you weren’t bike racing what would you be?

Lazy J

What is something that nobody would know about you?

I grew up as a military brat and graduated H.S. from Okinawa, Japan, “Go Dragons!”

TWENTY16 has an emphasis on education with the initiation of our Junior Scholarship program in 2015.

Why is continued education important?

Continued education is important, I see it as the stepping-stone for one’s future.

What does Ridebiker Alliance mean to you?

Supporting aspiring young athletes accomplish their dreams!

Favorite things to do off the bike:

  1. Being a Mom
  2. Going Camping with family and friends
  3. Inspiring kids and families to be their best
  4. Catching up with friends over AM coffee or PM sushi

Top 10 warmup/pre-race songs on your iPod:

I use to have a top 10 list but now I enjoy listening to a variety of “Dance Pop” music.  Outside of this mix my go to song prior to every TT will always be “It's a Beautiful Day – U2”.


Sho-Air SRAM Felt Bicycles ZIPP Quarq JL Velo