PC: Justin Kosman
Age / Where do you live?
I am 15 years young and I live in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
Years Racing?
My dad introduced me to racing when I was little and I have been doing it ever since, which has been about ten years.
Sponsors?
USA Cycling | Haro Bikes | Rockstar Energy Drink | Dale Holmes Racing | WD 40 Bike | 100% | Answer Racing | Shimano | ODI Grips | Box | Tioga | HRP Designs | Wheel Builder
2017 was your first year on the US Development Team how did it go?
My first year on the U.S. Development Team was amazing! I had so many awesome opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if I wasn’t on the team. I got to train at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, start a structured training schedule, and hit a lot more nationals.
PC: Justin Kosman
Being young and it being your first year in a structured team environment, what were some of the benefits you liked?
One of the benefits I like about the team is having the coolest coach, Arielle Martin-Verhaaren. From her I gain tons of knowledge whether it’s about racing, training, nutrition, recovery, etc.
We’re already into the 2018 season, how’s that going so far?
So far, the 2018 season is going really well. I have already been out to Chula Vista once for some training, won my first national in Louisville, Kentucky, and raced my first ever supercross open. It’s awesome that I have gotten to go to three nationals this early in the season, because there are still no tracks open where I live with all of the winter weather.
What are your goals for the season?
My goals for the 2018 season are to get National #1 Amateur Girl and to take advantage of all of the opportunities my team gives me.
Your mom and dad are key elements, to your race program. What are some of the benefits of having a family with the same passion for riding bikes as you?
My mom and dad play a huge role in my racing and training. At the races they keep me hydrated and eating well as well as video my laps. And during training both my mom and my dad will do sprints with me and always encourage me to be my best.
PC: Joey Cobbs
Who’s in your crew at the races?
At the races my crew is my coach Arielle, my mom, my dad, the infamous Dale Holmes, the U.S. Development Team, and some of the girls that I race with.
You also ride the Skateparks, trails and in fact have a backyard pump track and ride mtb – do you think being into all aspects in riding helps?
I think being into all aspects of riding helps so much with BMX! Trails, skateparks, and the pumptrack in my backyard help me with my technical skills. And MTB riding helps me with the endurance and strength aspects of racing.
Any thoughts on doing more MTB or even competing in Park?
Ha, definitely a no on competing in park. I can do some tricks on my trampoline bike but when I tried to take my tricks to an actual jump it didn’t go as smoothly. But, I have been getting into some more MTB stuff like dual slalom and cross country which I really enjoy.
PC: Justin Kosman
You raced your first SX race in Oldsmar last month how was that?
My first SX open race in Oldsmar, Florida was a blast! I had so much fun and loved experiencing a different aspect of the traditional racing. I am looking forward to doing a few more SX races this season.
What are your favorite tracks?
My all-time favorite tracks are the outdoor in Louisville, Kentucky and South Park, Pennsylvania because they’re downhill and super flowy. I also really liked the Grands track last year with how peaky and tight all of the jumps were.
Toughest competitors?
15-16 girls is a super competitive class, but I think that one of my biggest competitors is myself. Sometimes, I just need to believe in myself more to do my best.
PC: Joey Cobbs
Best part about racing?
I think that the best part about racing are the rewards that you get after working so hard to achieve your goals.
Long-term goals?
My long-term goals are to go to the 2020 and 2024 Olympics and bring home a medal.
