Wayne: Do you see yourself mentoring and coaching athletes in the future?
Alison: I mentor some athletes now, but do not coach very many. I could see this as something I would get into in the future.
Wayne: You didn’t start off with biking but as a triathlete and even competed in iron man competitions. When did you know that biking would become your focus?
Alison: I realized that my motto for triathlon was finish the swim, race the bike, and survive the run. No matter what anyone told me, I always wanted to set a record on the bike course! Unfortunately that lead to some pretty miserable runs! I got invited by the USA Cycling Development Foundation to a Talent ID camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. They invited me because of seeing potential as a cyclist, and once I saw this opportunity on the bike, I never looked back.
Wayne: You are a bit of a brainiac! You have a B.S. in Biochemistry with emphasis on Molecular Biology and did a stint with AMGEN and minored in Nutrition graduating with the highest honors from ACU. Now you are working towards a PhD in Neuropsychology. I am absolutely sure everyone will want to know where knowledge and speed are going to lead you in your life. What are your plans for your professional future?
Alison: I am love racing my bike, but I think it is important continue to invest in my future off the bike. I currently work in advocacy for Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer® and my team, TWENTY16 Pro Cycling, was able to represent Breakaway from Cancer at Amgen’s Tour of California. Cancer effects all of us, and it is very meaningful to grow a support community for those effected by cancer. I am attending graduate school and that keeps me busy as well. I am open to a career in many different entities, and I know that bike racing has taught me so much and given me valuable skills that I can use in the work place.