Athlete Spotlight: Interview with Carolyn Defoore
/CD4 in her element at the Driveway Series in Austin.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Carolyn Defoore aka CD4 of Team Athlete Architecture p/b Hyperthreads. Carolyn has climbed quickly up the ranks to a Cat 2. Along with her strong teammates, she continues to embrace the Texas racing scene to the fullest. We enjoyed the chance to get to know her more.
Cantu Wheels: When you began riding, what was it about the bike that appealed to you most?
CD4: I started riding with my dad when I was 13 or so, and I just loved getting to spend that time with him. I would constantly ask him if we were going 20 miles per hour!
Cantu Wheels: As you progressed into the sport, were there any key individuals that influenced your growth as a cyclist?
CD4: There have been several key individuals that influenced my growth as a cyclist, too many to name here, but I'm grateful for all of them. The first century I ever rode was also a very fateful day... Eryn Wike introduced me to Kelly Barrientes, now my team manager and best friend - who has shown me unwavering support on the bike and in life. And of course, my dad has always been and always will be my best supporter.
Cantu Wheels: What's the racing and riding scene like in Austin?
CD4: Racing and riding in Austin, Texas... well, spoiled is the word that comes to mind first. We have the best weekly criterium series in the U.S. [The Driveway], there is a group ride every day of the week for every skill level, plenty of hills to make strong legs, and a city government that is dedicated to investing in its bicycle friendly infrastructure. Cycling is a huge part of Austin's culture.
Cantu Wheels: What event or race are you looking forward to most this season?
CD4: I turned 35 this year, so I have my heart set on Master's Nationals in Augusta, GA. I'll be competing in the road race and criterium in just a few weeks.
Working with teammate LeighAnn Ganzar in the Men's Open race.
Cantu Wheels: What is your most memorable day on the bike?
CD4: I have so many memorable days... but I'll describe one of my favorites from a couple years ago. I did a weekend trip to Leakey, Texas with Velo View Bike Tours, and I can't even imagine a more perfect day... Incredible views, incredible hills, wildly fast descents, all followed by cooking dinner, laughing and staying up late recovering in the hot tub, drinking beers under the stars... I wish I had more days like these.
Cantu Wheels: Do you have any favorite pro riders you like to watch?
CD4: I can't say I have a favorite rider, but if I've had the privilege of racing next to them, my ears perk up a little more at their results. Coryn Rivera's win at Flanders is probably the most recent result that's given me goosebumps to hear about.
athlete architecture sporting the cantu r5c.
Cantu Wheels: Favorite location to train?
CD4: I have a special relationship with the hills in Lost Creek, just west of Austin, specifically Barton Creek. When I was just starting to race, these were the hills that challenged me, got me strong, and gave me the confidence to get out there and compete.
Cantu Wheels: Best advice for beginners interested in bike racing?
CD4: Don't let anyone else define what you can be good at. Define that for yourself.
