Kirsten Williams

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.”

D.O.B.: April 6, 1996
Location: Kalispell, Montana
Current City: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Height: 5’11”
Specialty: Track
Previous sports: Karate, Gymnastics
College name: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Nickname: K2
Years racing: 9

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Kirsten started her cycling career early by riding up and down the street with her friends. Like many things for children, play turned into competition, and she began racing the tandem with her Dad at the age of 10. At 12, she started racing individually, and really caught the racing bug midway through the season, when she saw the best-all-around rider results for her age category and knew she had potential to win. Her cycling career continued to progress, and she won the JW 13-14 Time Trial National Title in 2010, followed by the JW 15-16 Omnium National Title in 2012, after which she joined TWENTY16.

After her 2013 season was cut short due to injury, she was on fire to accomplish great things in 2014. Then, the worst imaginable tragedy struck in June when her father was killed in a freak accident on the track. Not one to be deterred, Kirsten overcame her grief, with the help of many friends, family, and her Almighty God, to win the Omnium National Title in honor of her father. The summer was a season of growth as Kirsten had the opportunity to train with some amazing talent, and that training and support culminated in August, where she earned a top-10 result at junior worlds, also lapping the field in the Omnium Scratch race. Although she was unable to finish the omnium due to injury, Kirsten now looks forward to 2015, her first year as an elite rider. She is honored to compete for TWENTY16 and to train with some incredibly talented riders as part of Andy Sparks women’s team pursuit program. She hopes to start out her elite career strong, while also pursuing her educational dreams at UCCS.

Career Highlights

1st - JW 17-18 Track Nationals, Omnium
1st - JW 17-18 Track Nationals, Individual Pursuit
10th - Junior Track World Championships, Pursuit
Junior Track World Championships Omnium - Scratch Race win and 2:32 pursuit PR
1st - JW 15-16 Track Nationals, Omnium
1st - JW 13-14 Road Nationals, Time Trial

2014

1st - JW 17-18 Track Nationals, Omnium
1st - JW 17-18 Track Nationals, Individual Pursuit
3rd - Matrix Track Cup, Omnium
5th - COSGP, Omnium
10th - Junior Track World Championships, Pursuit
Junior Track World Championships Omnium - Scratch Race win and 2:32 pursuit PR

2013

1st- Fixed Gear Classic, Scratch Race
1st Colorado Elite State Track Championship, Match Sprint
1st Colorado Elite State Track Championship, Keirin
3rd - Sea Otter Classic, Road Race
5th - Fixed Gear Classic, Match Sprint

What inspired you to start bike racing?
I grew up watching my Dad race, and I wanted to be just like him.

Who is an inspiration to you in your life, both on and off the bike?
My dad lived an incredible and admirable life, and I want to live life like he did. I am also really inspired by Sarah Hammer, the most incredible bike racer, who was nevertheless willing to come and support and mentor me at nationals after my Dad’s passing. I am also inspired by my many other amazing training buddies, especially the para-cyclists, who have overcome big obstacles to become the people / athletes who they are.

Favorite subject in school...?
I am a biology major, so I really enjoy all the types of biology. I also took psychology and chemistry this term and found them quite interesting.

Favorite meal when training?
I really like pasta, add in some good protein and vegetables for a balanced meal. My grandma makes really good dessert, which is a motivator for training hard! And now that I’m in college, I’ve developed a questionable habit of drinking pre-workout coffee...

The best thing about racing bikes?
Making great friends from all over the world.

Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?
Seoul, South Korea for Junior Track World Championships. This was my first opportunity to represent the US internationally. The track was amazing, and it was awesome to experience a different culture, and to make friends from all over the world. Not to mention, winning the omnium scratch race was pretty surreal...

Favorite cross training or off season activity?
Gym workouts, and going on long walks with my Mom.

Best advice to give the student athlete
Balance, and do your best. Allow the school and the training to complement each other, but never get too caught up in either one -- take time to spend with the people you love, too. Enjoy the experiences.

Favorite things to do off the bike:

1. Spend time with family and friends.
2. Read.
3. Go to church.
4. Journal and write.
5. Enjoy life in general, especially the outdoors.

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

1.Hope in Front of Me, Danny Goke
2. Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
3. Ready or Not, Britt Nicole
4. Dare you to move, Switchfoot
5. Roar, Katy Perry
6. Hall of Fame, the Script
7. Overcomer, Mandisa
8. Firework, Katy Perry
9. Burning Heart, Survivor
10. Royals, Lorde

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

Going on to college after high school is very important in many different ways! Even though racing is awesome, it is so important to get a degree so that you can become a strong and independent young woman! Racing professionally won’t last forever, so it is important to have a career to support yourself after you retire, and even while you race, as very few women make enough money to live on by racing. That being said, don’t give up on the racing by any means! The college years are a great time to build up a base of training and racing that will help launch you into accomplishing your athletic dreams after graduation. Finally, be sure to go into a field that you will love, because that is what you will be doing for the rest of your life, potentially.