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Kristen Faulkner, the reigning USA National Road Race Champion and 2024 Olympic gold medalist, has rapidly emerged as a prominent figure in professional cycling. Her journey from the fishing village of Homer, Alaska, to the pinnacle of international cycling is a testament to her versatility, determination, and strategic mindset.
Born on December 18, 1992, in Homer, Alaska, Faulkner grew up in a community known as the “Halibut Capital of the World”. This upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for the outdoors and developed her sense of resilience. Faulkner’s academic prowess led her to Phillips Academy in Massachusetts for high school, where she excelled as an honor roll student and multi-sport varsity athlete.
Her academic journey continued at Harvard University, where she graduated in 2016 with a B.A. in computer science. During her time at Harvard, Faulkner was a competitive rower, showcasing her athletic abilities beyond cycling.
After graduation, Faulkner’s career took an unexpected turn. She began working as an investment associate at Threshold Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm in Silicon Valley. Her role involved sourcing new investments, conducting due diligence, and supporting entrepreneurs in pursuing their ambitious goals.
Faulkner’s cycling journey began almost by chance. In 2017, she attended a free introductory women’s cycling clinic in New York City’s Central Park. This experience ignited her passion for the sport, leading her to pursue it more seriously after moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2018.
Faulkner’s transition to professional cycling was remarkably swift. In 2020, she joined Team TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank, marking the beginning of her pro career. Despite her relatively late start in the sport, Faulkner quickly made a name for herself, especially in solo efforts and time trials.
Her palmarès includes impressive achievements:
- Stage wins at the Giro d’Italia Women, Tour de Suisse, and La Vuelta Feminina
- USA National Road Race Champion title in 2024
- Gold medal in the women’s cycling road race at the 2024 Paris Olympics
- Pan American time trial champion in 2023
Faulkner views bike racing as a game of chess, emphasizing strategy, patience, and anticipating competitors’ moves. This analytical approach, likely influenced by her background in computer science and venture capital, sets her apart in the peloton.
Looking ahead, Faulkner has set ambitious goals for herself, including developing as a General Classification (GC) rider. Her proven abilities as a time trialist and strong performances in stage races position her well for this objective.
Off the bike, Faulkner maintains her passion for innovation and gender equality. She continues to support women in technology, entrepreneurship, and investing, having previously hosted free office hours for female entrepreneurs.
Kristen Faulkner’s journey from Alaskan fishing village to Olympic gold medalist is a remarkable tale of versatility, determination, and strategic thinking. As she continues to evolve in her cycling career, her unique background and analytical approach promise to keep her at the forefront of the sport for years to come.
Kristen Faulkner was born in Homer, Alaska on December 18, 1992, and today she is 31 years old.
The image featured in this article comes from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository.