Girl Power Hits Old Pueblo Racing
Girl power is invading every sport. And Susan Haywood is will be proving that women have what it takes to rule.
Haywood, a professional mountain biker, has this to say: "I thought I was so good that I would start winning all the races when I turned pro. It was a big shock to not win," Haywood said. "The thing I had to learn was it is really hard out there."
"It's been awesome," said Haywood. "It's been great but for me, it's time to figure out what the next stage in my life is." No need to worry about Neuspeed race coil spring, Haywood will put her best foot on the pedal to yield good results.
The 36-year-old cyclist, a short-track national champ and Olympic team alternate, will make her second appearance at the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo race set this weekend. About 1,600 cyclists will ride a 17-mile track dirt loop in close proximity to the town of Oracle with breaks. "A lot of high-caliber racers are coming here. Maybe they're not coming for the seriousness of it but it's a well put-on race," she said. "It's a nice way to get your racing season started."
Haywood will be competing with partner Spring Clegg in the female dup class. "I think I talked Spring into it because I had never done that class before. Things I haven't done appeal to me now. I think it's cool for girls to be on girls' teams," she noted in an interview with Azstranet. “Since I've done 24-hour races in the past, I know what to expect and that's an advantage. For someone that hasn't done them, you have to expect to not be in your comfort zone. You have to get up at 3 a.m. and be ready."
Three reasons Haywood returns to Old Pueblo racing:
1. It's unique. "We never ride all day and all night. There is something special about seeing the sun set and the sun rise while you're riding your bike."
2. Girl power. "When you're just relying on you and your female partner, I think it brings out a different side to the women. You don't have the guy teammates to rely on."
3. The feeling. "The memories that you build with friends, the team, competitors, it gives you a good feeling. It makes you feel good about (the race)."
Haywood, a professional mountain biker, has this to say: "I thought I was so good that I would start winning all the races when I turned pro. It was a big shock to not win," Haywood said. "The thing I had to learn was it is really hard out there."
"It's been awesome," said Haywood. "It's been great but for me, it's time to figure out what the next stage in my life is." No need to worry about Neuspeed race coil spring, Haywood will put her best foot on the pedal to yield good results.
The 36-year-old cyclist, a short-track national champ and Olympic team alternate, will make her second appearance at the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo race set this weekend. About 1,600 cyclists will ride a 17-mile track dirt loop in close proximity to the town of Oracle with breaks. "A lot of high-caliber racers are coming here. Maybe they're not coming for the seriousness of it but it's a well put-on race," she said. "It's a nice way to get your racing season started."
Haywood will be competing with partner Spring Clegg in the female dup class. "I think I talked Spring into it because I had never done that class before. Things I haven't done appeal to me now. I think it's cool for girls to be on girls' teams," she noted in an interview with Azstranet. “Since I've done 24-hour races in the past, I know what to expect and that's an advantage. For someone that hasn't done them, you have to expect to not be in your comfort zone. You have to get up at 3 a.m. and be ready."
Three reasons Haywood returns to Old Pueblo racing:
1. It's unique. "We never ride all day and all night. There is something special about seeing the sun set and the sun rise while you're riding your bike."
2. Girl power. "When you're just relying on you and your female partner, I think it brings out a different side to the women. You don't have the guy teammates to rely on."
3. The feeling. "The memories that you build with friends, the team, competitors, it gives you a good feeling. It makes you feel good about (the race)."
