Jess Cerra

“Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” Mohammed Ali

Nickname: Jess

D.O.B.: 5/1/1982

Birth city and state: Whitefish, MT

Current City: Encinitas, CA

Height: 5’ 6”

Specialty: climbing, all-arounder, cooking

Previous sports: triathlon, mountain biking

Years racing: 3 (1 professional)

Colleges attended: University of Montana (B.S.); San Diego State University (M.S.)

Degree: B.S. Exercise Science Applied; M.S. Exercise Physiology

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Growing up in Montana made Jess a recreational enthusiast with a passion for the outdoors. Upon receiving her M.S. in Exercise Physiology in 2007, Jess began competing on the XTERRA off-road triathlon. After winning the XTERRA Amateur National Championship in 2010, Jess turned pro in 2011. She also raced professionally on the USAC Pro Ultra Endurance MTB Tour in 2012/2013. After being diagnosed with iliac artery compression in 2012, Jess underwent a procedure to replace her right iliac artery, and began racing road bikes to get fitness back. Through this journey, Jess discovered a new passion and talent. 2014 was Jess’s first season with Team Twenty16. In the beginning of 2014 Jess underwent the same iliac artery surgery, but on her left leg. With the reinforcement and confidence of the team and management, the year was dedicated to rebuilding and riding in support of the team.

In 2009 Jess also started Fit Food by Jess, a small private chef and catering company in Encinitas, CA, which specializes in preparing fresh, healthy and seasonal cuisine for busy families and recreational/professional athletes, as well as cycling and triathlon camps. In 2012 she launched a non-GMO, gluten free energy bar called Harmony Bar.

Career Highlights

  • Redlands Best Amateur Jersey & GC, 6th; 2014
  • Redlands Highland Circuit Race, 4th; 2014
  • San Dimas Stage Race GC, 6th; 2014
  • USAC Pro MTB Ultra Endurance Series, 2nd; 2012-13
  • XTERRA Amateur National Champion; 2011

2015

  • Tour of Ardeche, Sprinter’s jersey team
  • Tour of California, Team GC
  • Tour of California GC, 20th
  • Cascade Cycling Classic MacKenzie Pass Road Race, 18th
  • Cascade Cycling Classic Mt. Bachelor Road Race, 16th

2014

  • Redlands Highland Circuit Race, 4th
  • Redlands Sunset Loop Road Race, 9th
  • San Dima Stage Race Crit, 3rd
  • San Dimas Stage Race Road Race, 5th
  • Tour de Gila Criterium, 4th

What inspired you to become a bike racer?

I was forced to leave the XTERRA circuit due to severe iliac artery compression. After undergoing surgery to repair my iliac artery, I was encouraged by friends to try road racing in early 2013, and there was an instant connection. Throughout this journey, I was inspired by many friends and riding buddies in the sport, but mainly I was inspired to overcome the obstacles and setbacks in my own life. Plus, I felt a connection to road racing unlike I had felt in any other sport.

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

My little sister, who would never believe this, but shows strengths in ways that I never could. By the age of 30, she graduated with her DVM in veterinary sciences. In 4 years of vet school she has worked around the clock, literally at times, but has never waivered in her passion for what she does. Now she has specialized in Emergency Medicine, and works at a major emergency hospital in Seattle. I look up to her more than she knows, and often think of her tenacity when I’m feeling uncomfortable or having to push through something.

Favorite meal when training?

Always pizza. Pizza legs are the hook up.

The best thing about being a bike racer is?

The camaraderie of a being on a team and working towards a goal. There is an intense connection and level of respect among teammates, as we lay ourselves on the line for each other. There is no better feeling as when it goes to plan. This teamwork, selflessness, and dedication is also great example to young girls as a reason to become involved in sport.

What is your biggest accomplishment on the bike?

Redlands 2014 was my second ever NRC race and I had just received my Cat 1 upgrade. Just missing the podium on the first stage was a huge surprise to me and the momentum carried me throughout the week finishing in the best amateur jersey each stage, as well as 6th GC.

Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?

Ardeche region, France. This was my first European race experience which in itself makes it unforgettable. The courses were so beautiful (yet painful), and crossed many different types of countryside, hills, and mountains. Beautiful scenery that you don’t find in the U.S. The race was HARD, 7 stages, almost 50,000 feet of climbing, something that women don’t get to experience often, making it an incredible opportunity, learning and growing experience.

Favorite cross training or off season activity?

Hard to choose one. Yoga, running on the beach, swimming.

Best tip for a new bike racer?

Be open minded, but not overly critical of yourself. Pay attention to the teams and riders that are successful and take notes and then invest time in working through your weaknesses. At the end of the day, trust your instincts.

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

Something for someone else. Even if it’s something simple like smiling and asking someone how they are. Keeps me grounded and balanced.

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

A private chef!

What is something that nobody would know about you?

I won the hula-hoop contest in 7th grade. I out hula-hooped the entire middle school (5th-8th grade) on the gym floor with the entire school watching. I think I lasted 18 minutes.

TWENTY16 has an emphasis on education with the initiation of our Junior Scholarship program in 2015. https://teamtwenty16.com/education.htm

Why is continued education important?

Higher Education is something that is very personal and can be customized by you. You learn to think critically and depend more on yourself. Sometimes the process can be scary, or confusing but you come out of it with a skillset and qualifications that you can’t gain anywhere else. Most importantly, you change a long the way and find things you like and are good at, that you may not have found otherwise.

What does Ridebiker Alliance mean to you?

A group of people who love cycling and can work together to create positive change in the sport. Specifically supporting women’s cycling and the growth of our Team Twenty16.

Favorite things to do off the bike:

  1. Yoga
  2. Running/Hiking/Swimming
  3. Cooking
  4. Time in Montana
  5. Beach days

Top 10 warmup/pre-race songs on your iPod

  1. Lady Gaga, Poker Face, Jody den Broeder Remix
  2. Reina, Just Let Go
  3. Florence & The Machine/Dizee Rascal- Dirtee Love
  4. Slinkee Minx, Summer Rain
  5. Taylor Swift, Shake it Off
  6. Cascada, Faded
  7. Sam Hunt, Break up in a Small Town
  8. HAIM, Falling
  9. Taylor Swift, All You Had to do Was Stay
  10. Silento, Watch Me Whip

Sho-Air SRAM Felt Bicycles ZIPP Quarq JL Velo