Jennifer Tetrick
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
Nickname: Jen
D.O.B.: 11/15/1981
Birth city and state: Northridge, California
Current City: Santa Monica, California
Height: 6’0”
Specialty:
Previous sports: Triathlon (professional), Cross Country and Track & Field (collegiate)
Years racing: 1
Colleges attended: Cedarville University
Degree: International Studies and Political Science
Formerly a professional triathlete, Jennifer is racing her second season as a professional cyclist with TEAM Twenty16. At U.S. Track Nationals in 2015, Jennifer raced to a gold medal in the team pursuit, in addition to finishing on the podium at the Colorado Grand Prix and the Vic Williams Memorial Classic. As a triathlete, Jennifer finished on the podium at numerous 70.3 and Olympic distances races, including Ironman 70.3 Muskoka, Ironman 70.3 Florida and Philly Triathlon among others. Jennifer ran cross country and track & field at Cedarville University, in addition to playing volleyball her first two years, and earned a B.A. in International Studies and Political Science.
Jennifer has worked as a communications director for a Member of Congress and remains active in non-profit work, including supporting Athletes Without Limits, an organization dedicated to helping elite athletes with intellectual disability. When not riding her bike, Jennifer works as a communications manager with a start-up company based in San Francisco.
Career Highlights (2015)
- U.S. Track Nationals - Gold Medal in Team Pursuit
- Podium at Colorado Grand Prix - Individual Pursuit
- Podium at Vic Williams Memorial Classic - Individual Pursuit
- 2nd place Chico Stage Race Time Trial
What inspired you to become a bike racer?
I’m inspired by my family every day. My grandfather still races bikes, and I think cycling has always been a part of me, even before I’d really discovered the sport. There’s something incredibly freeing about getting out and riding my bike - being fast is just part of the fun.
Who is an inspiration to you in your life, both on and off the bike?
My grandfather in his quiet, humble way inspires me daily. A man with great talent and tenacity, Grampy has set the bar high for our whole family. He’s overcome incredible challenges to succeed both on and off the bike, with strength of character and resolve that’s evident to anyone who meets him.
Favorite meal when training?
Tetrick pancakes! Our secret family recipe for the best pancakes ever are great for pre and post ride meals.
The best thing about being a bike racer is?
What I love about cycling is the team aspect of the sport. I love being a part of a team and racing for something bigger than myself. It’s motivating!
What is your biggest accomplishment on the bike?
Winning a National Championship as part of the team pursuit in my first year on the track and in cycling.
Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?
I loved racing at the VELO Sports Center in Carson, CA, for U.S. Track Nationals. On the road, I feel I have much more to learn and experience, but as a car lover (preferably fast cars), I had so much fun racing on the speedway as part of the Chico Stage Race.
Favorite cross training or off season activity?
Running. California has some amazing trails to explore.
Best tip for a new bike racer?
I’m still pretty new at this, but I did learn early on that you don’t wear underwear under a chamois. Also, have fun and enjoy each step that takes you closer to your goals.
What are one of two things that you do daily that are the key to your success?
Consistency. And sleep.
If you weren’t bike racing what would you be?
I’d be staying active, riding my bike, running and probably getting a business up and running.
What is something that nobody would know about you?
I used to be a concert pianist and studied piano performance in college.
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 affords opportunities and is an important platform for success. Continued education helps expand our horizons, teaching us not only new information but also how to reason and solve problems - essential tools for life.
What does Ridebiker Alliance mean to you?
Ridebiker brings together the cycling community with a shared interest in supporting bike safety, infrastructure and athletic success. I’m thrilled to be a part of an organization with passion for the sport I love and a strong vision for the future.
Favorite things to do off the bike:
- Play piano
- Run/hike
- Yoga
- Drink a good cup of coffee in the morning.
- Hang out with friends, preferably doing one of the above activities
Top 10 warmup/pre-race songs on your iPod:
- I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash
- My Love - Route 94 feat. Jess Glynne
- Fighter - Christina Aguilera
- Roar - Katy Perry
- Shake It Off - Taylor Swift
- Hot Damn - Ivy Levan
- Get Free - Major Lazer
- Cut Your Teath - Kyla La Grange (Kygo Remix)
- My Type - Saint Motel
- Runaway - sElf