Kelly Lawson Talks MTB, CX and How Much Can Change in 2 Years

Mountain biker and cyclocross racer Kelly Lawson was one of the first Shred Girls IRL to be featured on this site. We ran into her again at the ENCX Quest in 2018 where she was perfecting her cyclocross skills, and most recently, she was in Girona with the Ontario Cycling Association tackling her first huge endurance road camp, riding up to 100 miles each day for two weeks (she crushed it). I wanted to hear about what’s changed over the last two years, and what she’s been up to:

You just got back from Girona—how was that camp? It was your first big endurance block, so what did you learn?

The camp was a blast! I learned that I was capable of pushing myself much further than I thought I could!

We last did an interview in 2017—2 years ago now! What are some of the big changes?

I travelled to Europe for the Hoogerheide CX World Cup and CX World Championships in Denmark with Team Canada. I’ve also been representing Team Ontario on their Canada Cup mtb projects.

…And what’s stayed the same with your riding since then?

I’m still with Team Hardwood Next Wave (which used to be Centurion Next Wave) and Robert Holmgren is still my coach.

What are your goals and plans for this year?

My goals for this year are to qualify for mtb World Championships in Mont Sainte Anne and for World Championships for cyclocross in Switzerland for Team Canada.

CX Worlds 2020 will have a junior women’s field—what does that mean to you, and what will your CX season look like?

It’s awesome! It means I am not competing in the U23 category, as a 17-year-old. It evens the playing field a little bit, the Europeans will still be super fast. I’ll be hitting all of the big races and junior qualifier races.

How was racing Hoogerheide and lining up with Marianne Vos?!

It was surreal going from watching the races on youtube one week, to actually being there and lining up against the best Elite racers in the world. The fans, mud, and course was an insane experience.

How are you handling the balance of school / biking / a life?

Right now biking is my life. I love it and it’s all I want to do. This semester I’m taking online courses to allow me to have more time for travelling and training.

Favorite on-bike moment (race or ride) in the last 2 years?

The crowd cheering as I crossed the finish line at CX Worlds and meeting my goal to finish on the lead lap. It was a long hard season and it was overwhelming to finish it that way.

Best tip your coach has given you recently?

The best tip he has given me is that recovery is the most important part of training!

After surviving 1000+kms in 2 weeks of riding, what’s your best tip for a newer cyclist facing a big endurance block?

Hydration and fueling during the ride is essential. A properly fueled body keeps your mind clear and sharp. It helps fight the bonk!