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Alison Starnes: Cycling Tribe Interview
Alison Starnes
Coach: Kristin Armstrong
Manager: Emma Rickards, DS, Linda Jackson, Owner
Sponsor: Team TIBCO/To the Top Pro Cycling
Career Highlight: Tour of New Zealand, 2010
Favourite event: Stage Races
Occupation: Cyclist
Time in the Sport: 2 years
Bike: Look 585/Look 596
Cycling Tribe: Alison, Thanks for your time. You were a tennis player at college and then you switched to triathlon straight out of college. What brought on this change which eventually led to you being a pro cyclist?
As a collegiate tennis player, I was always looking for that
competitive edge against my opponents. What I lacked in experience on the court, I wanted to have in fitness and power. This passion led me to running, which I kept up even after graduation. With some knee injuries, I was unable to move laterally anymore, which caused me to pack up my tennis racquets and just focus on running. The days and miles became monotonous, until I ventured into cross-training on a bike, and eventually doing my first triathlon, an Ironman 70.3. I
loved the energy at these races, but found myself surviving the swim, racing my bike, and jogging the run. Even after a sixth place finish at 70.3 Worlds, I decided that I might try just racing my bike without
having to do a run afterwards! This was the key! Within four months of bicycle racing in 2008, Team TIBCO took interest in me, and offered me to guest ride for their team, and USA Cycling Development Foundation
invited me to a Talent ID camp. The rest is history, as these two critical events marked the beginning of a career in cycling.
competitive edge against my opponents. What I lacked in experience on the court, I wanted to have in fitness and power. This passion led me to running, which I kept up even after graduation. With some knee injuries, I was unable to move laterally anymore, which caused me to pack up my tennis racquets and just focus on running. The days and miles became monotonous, until I ventured into cross-training on a bike, and eventually doing my first triathlon, an Ironman 70.3. I
loved the energy at these races, but found myself surviving the swim, racing my bike, and jogging the run. Even after a sixth place finish at 70.3 Worlds, I decided that I might try just racing my bike without
having to do a run afterwards! This was the key! Within four months of bicycle racing in 2008, Team TIBCO took interest in me, and offered me to guest ride for their team, and USA Cycling Development Foundation
invited me to a Talent ID camp. The rest is history, as these two critical events marked the beginning of a career in cycling.
Cycling Tribe: You achieved a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry with emphasis on Molecular Biology and a minor in Nutrition, as well as played NCAA tennis at college. Do you feel taking on this work load and excelling as you did set you up for a career as an elite athlete?
Absolutely. There is nothing about me that settles for the easy.jpg)
route. Some may call me an over-achiever, and some may just call me a nerd. However, I do think that it is the drive to succeed, and the determination to work hard and focus, that has paved the way for a career as an elite athlete. I love the challenge in the sport, and the ability to push myself to my own limits. Who knows what those limits are, but I have some big expectations and goals!
route. Some may call me an over-achiever, and some may just call me a nerd. However, I do think that it is the drive to succeed, and the determination to work hard and focus, that has paved the way for a career as an elite athlete. I love the challenge in the sport, and the ability to push myself to my own limits. Who knows what those limits are, but I have some big expectations and goals!
Cycling Tribe: As previously stated you have a minor in nutrition. Do you implement this knowledge base for your current diet and how seriously do you monitor your food intake?
I regularly use my nutrition background to assess my food intake and athletic performance. I think what we put in our bodies has a significant impact on the way our bodies perform. However, I try not to become too obsessive about it. Everything in moderation. If we deprive ourselves, then we aren't as happy, and I happen to love chocolate and baked goods! These are the things that make me happy!
Cycling Tribe: With the first NRC stage complete, how do you feel about yours and the teams form going into the rest of the season?
Cycling Tribe: What has been your greatest achievement in cycling so far?
I recently went to NZL for the Tour of New Zealand with the US National Team. Under the direction of Manel Lacambra, we secured four stage wins, the overall GC and the team GC. It was such an incredible experience for me to be able to learn how to protect the yellow jersey, and to succeed at the UCI level. I take great pride in the work I did there for my team, and the way we were able to come together for a victorious tour for USA. It still gives me the chills to think about it!
Cycling Tribe: Can you give us an idea of a typical training week for yourself?
Training really depends on the week and my racing schedule. A typical
week can be anywhere from 12 hours to 25 hours on the bike and range in intensity. Some weeks are higher volume than others, when other weeks are shorter in duration but kill you with intensity. I
completely trust my coach and her direction in preparing me for my
events. Each week always includes a little rest too!
week can be anywhere from 12 hours to 25 hours on the bike and range in intensity. Some weeks are higher volume than others, when other weeks are shorter in duration but kill you with intensity. I
completely trust my coach and her direction in preparing me for my
events. Each week always includes a little rest too!
Cycling Tribe: What are your goals for 2010? Do you have any long term goals for your cycling?
As I continue to grow and develop throughout this year, I look towards
Nationals and the World Championships as my goals for 2010. These are going to be benchmarks for greater goals I have such as the London Olympics in 2012. I think it is important to have lofty goals, but it is also useful to have milestones along the way to mark your progress. I am confident in my direction and those who support me to achieve these goals. Little by little. It doesn't happen overnight, but I will keep focused on my ultimate goal.
Nationals and the World Championships as my goals for 2010. These are going to be benchmarks for greater goals I have such as the London Olympics in 2012. I think it is important to have lofty goals, but it is also useful to have milestones along the way to mark your progress. I am confident in my direction and those who support me to achieve these goals. Little by little. It doesn't happen overnight, but I will keep focused on my ultimate goal.
Cycling Tribe: Alison, Thanks so much for your time and best of luck this year.
Thank you!
