From High School Math Teacher To Cyclist (Featuring Janel Holcomb)
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When Janel Holcomb purchased her first bike in 2006, she unwittingly changed the course of her entire career. Within months she traded in her life as a high school math teacher for that of a professional cyclist. Before long she became a decorated racer and was crowned the 2011 National Racing Calendar champion. She competed in world championships in 2013 and 2
014 in the Team Time Trial. Today she discusses her unusual path.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
1. Her experience leading to the 2012 Olympics.
2. Why each country has a different racing personality.
3. How working with the Women’s Cycling Association changed her life
4. Why anyone can ride like a pro.
By the end of her first season in 2007, Janel Holcomb was invited to guest ride at a stage race for the California-based professional team, Webcor Builders. Here she helped secure the overall win for her teammate, and was then signed to race full-time. Over the next two seasons, Janel steadily accumulated results and developed her talents as an all-arounder. In 2008, she began racing in Europe with Webcor, and has continued to race in Europe each year with the U.S. national team. Janel rode a breakout season in 2011, racing for Colavita – Forno d’Asolo. She won the Joe Martin Stage Race, her first National Racing Calendar (NRC) stage race victory. Janel also won the overall at the Tour de Toona and Oregon’s challenging Cascade Cycling Classic. In 2012, she was named to the U.S. Olympic Long Team. Her 2013 season was highlighted by a solo stage win at the Tour of Gila, finishing 2nd the following day in the time trial, and third overall. She was also a key member of the US team that brought home overall victory from the Giro Donne in Italy. Learn more about Janel at janelholcomb.com, Women’s Cycling Association, and Twitter.
