Rachel Coy Interview

by Trish Albert, May 2002

Southeastern Cycling recently sat down with Rachel Coy, one of Georgia's only Women Junior Road Racers. Rachel rides for the Genesis/Fulton Flyers team out of Atlanta.

Southeastern Cycling: How long have you been cycling and how did you get into it?
Rachel: I just started "seriously" cycling this past winter. My dad is one of the best Master racers in the Southeast and my cousin is an awesome junior racer so it all runs in the family and I decided it was my turn to start inventing myself in something. 

Southeastern Cycling: How much do you train with school and other activities?
Rachel: It's really hard to fit in all the hours I need to train with my busy school and extracurricular schedule but I usually manage at least 6 hours cycling a week, but that doesn't include any other things I do to stay fit. 
What do you enjoy doing besides cycling? I love school and spending time with my friends. If I ever have time to chill I usually play basketball, dance, play with my two dogs, or try something creative and new.

Southeastern Cycling: What are your goals for this year?
Rachel: Improve in cycling as much as possible and lay back and learn the world of racing. Build a good foundation for the rest of my cycling career.

Southeastern Cycling: What advice would you give to women that want to get into cycling or arejust beginning?
Rachel: Don't let people (boys) tell you that you'll never be good. Just don't listen when the person you're riding with (your Dad) is harping on how they're sick of going slow. And most important of all...Learn how to clip in AND out!! 

Age: 15 
Category: 4 
Sponsors: Fulton Flyers (AON, Genesis Scuba, Verge) 
Race Bike: EPX (it's pretty with my name on it!) 
Racing since: 2002
Best result: I value my 2nd place in a Cat 4 race more than my three 1st's in Junior's races with only one or two competitors. 
Favorite race course: So far, Roswell Criterium 
Favorite place to ride: The mountains of North Georgia 
Longest distance ride in one day: 50 or so miles 
Training time on the road: a lot 
Cross training: dance and weight training 
Supplements or sport drinks: I'm hooked on my Clif bars and Cytomax!

Rachel on her way to 2nd place in Cat. 4 Women at the Nalley Historic Roswell Criterium, April 2002.