Alison Jackson
“There is no glory in practice, but without practice there is no glory” – anonymous
Nickname: ACTION jackson
D.O.B.: December 14, 1988
Birth city and state: Vermilion, Alberta, Canada
Current City: Vermilion, Alberta
Height: 167cm
Specialty: Sprinting; All-Arounder
Previous sports: gymnastics, triathlon, collegiate track and field, cross-country and road running
Years racing: 2
Colleges attended: Trinity Western University
Degree: B.H.K. Bachelor of Human Kinetics – Kinesiology
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Alison is from a small farming town in Alberta, Canada. While growing up, she was involved in every sport imaginable, but cycling was not one of them. She got involved in cycling later in life when she stated training for triathlons at age 19. Right away she succeeded in triathlon which helped her get a running scholarship to Trinity Western University where she finished her kinesiology degree in December 2014.
During her collegiate career, Alison balanced academics, athletics and volunteerism in her community and especially on her campus. She has travelled internationally to compete in cross-country running (2014 FISU Collegiate XC World Championships) and triathlon (2012 and 2014 World Championships). Her successes in local bike racing attracted the attention of TWENTY16 in 2015 bringer her on as a development rider. Her breakout season landed her on top of the podium at races in USA, Canada and Belgium as well as earning the sprinters jersey at Chico, Tour of the Gila and Tour de l’Ardeche in France. At her first Canadian National Championships (2015) she was crowned National Criterium Champion. This is just the beginning and we are excited to have this bendy bike racer with us for another season.
Career Highlights
- Represented Canada at 2015 Road World Championships
- Canadian National Criterium Champion (2015)
- Stage win at Redlands Bicycle Classic (2015)
- Sprinter’s jersey at TCIFA (Tour de Cycliste International Feminin de l’Ardeche) (2015)
- 8th GC Amgen Tour of California (2015)
2015
- Represented Canada at 2015 Road World Championships
- 1st Canadian National Criterium Championships (2015)
- 1st Stage 1 Redlands Bicycle Classic (2015)
- Sprinter’s jersey at TCIFA (Tour de Cycliste International Feminin de l’Ardeche) (2015)
- 8th GC Amgen Tour of California (2015)
2014
- 1st Tour de White Rock HC, Omnium, 2014
- 1st Age Group SPRINT Triathlon World Championships, 2014
- 1st CanWest Collegiate Cross-Country Running Championships, 2014
- 17th FISU Cross-Country Running World Championships, 2014
What inspired you to become a bike racer?
I jumped into a triathlon when I was 19, finished well and thought I would try to do well with the little bit of talent that I had. I joined a local bike club (Phoenix Velo) in 2010 and all the guys started bugging me to become a full-time cyclist. After I had my taste of racing I absolutely loved the physicality and tactics of bike racing, plus you can see a lot more on a bike than in running shoes.
Who is an inspiration to you in your life, both on and off the bike?
In life, I am inspired by my parents. My dad has the most amazing work ethic! He gets out every day at 8 AM or earlier to work on his farm, often by himself, but he never complains and is always willing to help out his daughter at any hour of the day or night. My mom is heart of the family and my biggest fan, she is service orientated and teaches me how to care for people. Svein Tuft is absolutely my bike inspiration. He is so kind, full of adventurous stories and is an incredible athlete. I admire his steady determination to work hard on the bike and I love hearing stories about him!
Favorite meal when training?
Spiced sweet potatos, steamed greens with shallots and a juicy slab of slow-cooked bison meat.
The best thing about being a bike racer is?
Getting to see country and back roads that no else spends the time to look at while pumping out those feel-good endorphins.
What is your biggest accomplishment on the bike?
My biggest accomplishment was being selected to represent Canada at the World Championships in Richmond last year.
Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?
Last September, I raced in France at the Tour de Cyclist Feminin de l’Ardeche. The 7-stage race challenged me on long steep climbs and the most technical descents I’ve ever been on – and the country is absolutely beautiful!!
What do you like to do for cross training in the winter
I love to run. I feel so free while swinging my legs in big strides on beautiful nature trails.
Best tip for a new bike racer?
Ride more and more often and with other people. It is amazing how your body will adapt and keep getting stronger!
What are one of two things that you do daily that are the key to your success?
I like to read about other bike racers and watch previous bike races.
If you weren’t bike racing what would you be?
Ironman World Champion.
What is something that nobody would know about you?
I once was a vegetarian…for one month.
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?
My time as a collegiate athlete has helped me to balance my life and gain thinking and worldview skills that can be applied to racing and life. There is so much beyond bike racing to explore and learn. Furthering education is an excellent way to expand your thinking and open you up to so many more opportunities.
What does Ridebiker Alliance mean to you?
Riderbiker Alliance has awesome benefits for big and small clubs alike and takes the pressure off of one person prodding people to get their clothing orders in on time. Ridebiker Alliance connects the club or team or group of friends easily with an online base. Ridebiker Alliance then goes on to invest their profits back into the cycling community.
Favorite things to do off the bike:
- Laugh with my husband, Alex
- Knit mittens
- Color my human anatomy coloring book
- Cooking
- Handstands
Top 10 warmup/pre-race songs on your iPod:
Actually I don’t have an iPod…I just listen to my breathing when I warm up.