Kristin McGrath

D.O.B.: 10.21.1982
Hometown: Durango, CO
Current City: Boise, ID
Height: 165cm
Twitter handle: i_am_kmac
Specialty: Climbing, time trial, GC
Nickname: KMac
College: University of Tennessee, BS in Exercise Physiology

BIO:
Kristin grew up in Durango, CO with her 4 brothers. Never one to be left out, she followed them in every activity they did; from soccer, to swimming, skiing and kayaking. This environment spawned a natural competitor, propelling her to a full-ride soccer scholarship at NCAA powerhouse, University of Tennessee. After 2 years of soccer in Knoxville, Kristin happened to catch the eye of the swim team coaches and went on to finish her last two years of eligibility competing on the swim team as well as the soccer team. A knee injury her senior year ended Kristinʼs run as a soccer player, but doctors insisted she hop on a bike for rehab. After graduating from UT, with a degree in Exercise Physiology, and thinking her competitive career was over, Kristin started making strides to enroll in medical school. Everything was in place to hit the books again, but some success in a few collegiate cycling races landed Kristin a pro contract to race with Colavita in 2008. School was put on hold while Kristin tested her legs in the peloton. Since inking her first deal, Kristin has quickly risen to the top of the national and international pelotons. In her fourth year with the TWENTY16 outfit, Kristin will continue to hone her skills as a selfless teammate and a podium contender.

If you werent bike racing, you would be...?
in Medical School, or flying fighter jets

Favorite meal when training?
Big Salads with grilled salmon and pasta with fresh pesto

Favorite meal when you can eat whatever you want?
Street Tacos!!

What made you want to become a bike racer?
The feeling of freedom and speed drew me in. Racing in a team felt like an awesome combo of challenging myself individually (like I did as a swimmer), while also working as a team to win (like soccer). Cycling turned out to be a wonderful marriage of my two early passions.

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

The best thing about being a bike racer is?
Traveling the world and chasing a dream.

Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?
Italy. The country has so much history and stunning beauty. There is a certain level of craziness (casino) about racing in Italy which adds this ‘X’ factor that makes it crazy fun.

Favorite cross training or off season activity?
Skiing (nordic and downhill), river surfing, hiking and camping, mountain biking, yoga

Favorite things to do off the bike:
1. Skiing, 2. Playing in the mountians, 3. Cooking, 4. Yoga, 5. River SUP and surfing

Top 10 warmup/pre-race songs on your iPod:
1. Remember the Name, Fort Minor
2. The Hop, Radio Citizen featuring Bajka
3. Sail, AWOLNATION
4. Drive It Like You Stole It, The Glitch Mob
5. Out of the Box, DL Incognito
6. Lose Yourself, Eminem 7. Hot Like Sauce, Pretty Lights
8. Alejandro, Lady Gaga
9. Tres Delinquentes, Delinquent Habits
10. Swamp Thing, The Grid

I have 4 Brothers. I used to dance ballet. My brother’s and I can waterski in a pyramid.