Name: Kristin White
Hometown: Manlius, NY, USA
How did you get into cycling? I originally was a marathon runner but had back pain when I was pregnant that prevented me from running so I swam and biked on an “old school” trainer. After I had my two daughters, I was able to run again, so decided to give triathlon a go. The bike became my favorite leg… I loved the speed of it!
How many years have you been racing on Zwift? Four years. During 2020, I had 2 bike crashes on the road within 2 months and the doctor said I couldn’t afford another concussion, so I bought a smart trainer and started Zwifting. The triathlon team I was on IRL had a ZRL team. I was added to the team, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Fun fact… we were 5 women (The Spice Girls was our team name) from all over North America. We had never met IRL but became very close. In 2021, we met up in Maui to celebrate the wedding of one of the girls!
Are you part of a Virtual team? I am a member of Level Esports Racing. It is an amazing team that is always looking to introduce women to racing! In September, I was fortunate enough to meet up with some of the team members in Mallorca for 5 days of cycling led by Richy Howell, the team manager.
What do you love most about racing? The camaraderie. I have made amazing friends from participating on the teams. But what I love even more is taking part in a race series and seeing the same names that you race against. Women you never knew before start cheering for you. I love how the women can be so intensely competitive but so supportive and encouraging at the same time. It really is an amazing community.
What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? TTT. Hands down. Working together with teammates to be the best we can be is just inspiring.
What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? Honestly, I haven’t done a series I didn’t like. I have done WTRL, ZRL, FRR, Zwift Ladies Series, Tour de Boudicca, et al, and have enjoyed them all!
What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH?Outside – Ironman World Championships Kona 2010… my first time qualifying and competing. My parents and my two daughters were there, and I placed 5th in my age group and 11th amateur female overall. The island during Kona week is just magical! Inside – I recently raced the Tour of Brittania FRR stage race. In the final race we had five Level Esports teammates all working together to help me hold my place in the GC and my teammate to win the green jersey!
What is your favourite food to eat post race? Chocolate milk and potato chips!
What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? There are categories for every level so never say you aren’t good enough to race. Get in the pen early and have everything ready to go at least 15 minutes before the race starts to decrease any pre-race stress. Start pedaling with 3 seconds to go. The race will start fast but then settle in.
No matter how you do, be proud that you did it! Now you have a starting point and can work to get stronger. Celebrate every little improvement. Finally, feel free to message others and cheer them on. It’s a great way to “meet” fellow cyclists!
Any upcoming race you are looking forward to? I always love ZRL season. I ride for Level Wasps and Level Hornets.
Where can people follow your racing adventures? Kristin White is my Strava cyclist profile, or find me @trimomkw on Insta.
