.
.
.
#KristenFaulkner #TourDeFrance #StradeBianche #UCIWorldChampionships #OlympicGold #WomenInSports #LaVueltaFemenina #CyclingGoals #RoadRaceChampion #TeamPursuit #GrandTour #MonumentVictory #GCContender #CyclingInspiration #ProCyclist
Source link
Kristin Faulkner, a trailblazing American cyclist, has set her sights on ambitious new goals following her historic achievements in 2023. Last summer, Faulkner made US sports history by becoming the first American woman to win gold medals in two different disciplines—road race and team pursuit—at the same Olympic Games. This monumental success has fueled her confidence and ambition, leading her to outline a series of lofty objectives for her cycling career.
Faulkner’s goals include winning a stage in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift to complete the Grand Tour set, having already achieved stage victories in the Giro d’Italia Donne and the Vuelta Femenina. She also aspires to win a Monument, specifically Strade Bianche, and aims to podium at the UCI Individual Time Trial World Championships. Additionally, she hopes to secure the general classification (GC) in a stage race at some point in her career.
Her Olympic victories in Paris last summer not only brought her greater recognition but also reinforced her self-belief and determination. Faulkner’s success in the road race, in particular, was influenced by her earlier triumph at the Vuelta Femenina. During stage four of the 2023 Vuelta, Faulkner made a decisive move, countering attacks from top riders like Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini, and soloed to victory. This performance, which set a record as the fastest stage in UCI Women’s WorldTour history, was a turning point in her career. It taught her the importance of giving her all, even in the face of doubt, and prepared her for her Olympic success.
However, Faulkner’s 2024 season has been delayed due to a concussion she sustained in a crash during a gravel ride in California last December. This injury forced her to take a break from training until mid-February, resulting in a later start to her racing season. So far, she has competed in four one-day races—San Remo Donne, Brabantse Pijl, Amstel Gold Race, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège—with her best result being 22nd in Brabantse Pijl. Despite this setback, Faulkner remains optimistic and is focused on regaining her peak fitness.
Next on her schedule is the Vuelta Femenina, a race where she has fond memories from last year. Faulkner’s stage victory and overall 12th-place finish in the 2023 edition were significant milestones in her career. She recalls the joy of feeling strong and ready to race, emphasizing that winning is a core part of being an athlete. Her performance in Spain not only showcased her capabilities but also reinforced her aggressive racing style, which she later employed to great effect at the Olympics.
Faulkner’s journey has not been without challenges. Beyond her recent injury, she has had to balance her cycling career with her previous role as a Wall Street venture capitalist. Her transition from finance to professional cycling required the same drive and ambition that propelled her success in the business world. Faulkner is determined to avoid complacency and remains deeply motivated to achieve her goals. She insists that her Olympic victories have not diminished her hunger for success; instead, they have fueled her desire to accomplish even more.
As Faulkner continues her 2024 season, she is focused on regaining her form and building momentum. She acknowledges that she is still in an evolving phase and needs more racing to regain the speed and sharpness required to compete at the highest level. With her unwavering determination and love for the sport, Faulkner is poised to pursue her ambitious goals and further cement her legacy in cycling.
In summary, Kristin Faulkner’s historic achievements in 2023 have set the stage for an even more ambitious chapter in her career. Despite setbacks, she remains driven to win a Tour de France stage, a Monument, and a World Championship medal, while also aiming for GC success in stage races. Her journey is a testament to her resilience, self-belief, and passion for cycling, and she is determined to continue making history in the sport.
