Dalton Walters is a 22-year-old Track cyclist from Richardson, Texas. He began riding in high school and eventually fell in love with racing. Dalton went on to race collegiate track at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. As a full-time student-athlete studying Mechanical Engineering and training for Paris 2024, Dalton has proven to be a force on the track.
We had the
opportunity to ask Dalton about how he got into riding, his experience as a
collegiate cyclist, and his goals for the future.
How did you get started in cycling?
I got started in cycling through the cycling club at my high school. They hand-me-down equipment that I used to do my first races on, then I started racing for my shop team and raced collegiate at CMU.
This last year, CMU Cycling won the collegiate omnium, how did it feel winning one of the biggest achievements in collegiate racing?
It was really gratifying for the program to win the collegiate omnium this year. Everyone on this team worked hard to make it happen and it was certainly a cohesive effort. I wish we would've had a full season but I am certainly still happy with the outcome.
What are your goals for your senior year? What about after college?
My goals for my senior year are to continue to train full time as a track sprinter. I'm bummed that Collegiate Nationals was cancelled this year, as I've improved my results every year and I want my last shot at winning a title. Wherever and whenever the next race is, I'll be ready for it!
After college, my plan is to train full time at a track with an aim at representing the USA in Paris in 2024. I'll have my degree, which will hopefully allow me to support myself and my goal.
What is it like being on the US Olympic Development Team for Track?
The program offered the support that I needed to train and race internationally, and it also introduced me to an awesome group of teammates. I never would have done track full time if it weren't for ODP. The formal ODP has actually been disbanded, but some of my teammates on the program are in the process of starting up our own team (American Sprint Cycling Program) with the same aim. We're just going to have to figure out the support ourselves.
What advice or tips would you give to someone just getting starting with the sport of cycling?
I would encourage a new rider to always have a competitive aim, whether that's winning races or improving your times on a local stretch of road. Having that has always made me fired up to get out and ride.
Photos courtesy of Walton Weaver and Ivan Rupes
