Cyclocross

Kerry Werner

D.O.B	March 27, 1991
Hometown	Birdsboro, Pennsylvania

Residence

Winston Salem, North Carolina

Pro Teams

Optum Pro CX (2014-2015); Raleigh Clement (2015-2016); Kona CX (2016-Present)

Meet the Athlete

Kerry got started on the mountain bike side of things with a huge amount of support from family and friends, but also USA Cycling. He went to numerous Junior and U23 World Cups and World Championships with USA Cycling Development support. He believes that without that background, he would not be where he is today. Being exposed to such a high level of racing at such a young age opened his eyes up to the possibilities and kept him pushing and looking for more. He explains that it is humbling to know that there is someone better out there and for him that led to a desire to keep reaching for the next level. Kerry is now one to watch on the cyclocross scene and has competed in multiple World Championships for the US National Team.

What is one of the most pivotal experiences you've had that helped get you to where you are today?

In 2008, I won a spot on the junior mountain bike team for Val di Sole World Championships. I had never raced out of the US, or even out of the Mid Atlantic, at this point. I showed up in Italy thinking I was going to change the game and come lap one I found out just where I stacked up. Long story short, I finished 3 laps down... For sure I was bummed but instead of hanging the bike up I was determined to get back to the same level of racing and prove myself. Thus, the continuous journey that...

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What are your pre-race rituals?

Rice, eggs, honey 3-3.5 hours before, I always give my mechanic a high 5 before I leave the tent, I do leg swings to loosen up my hips just before call ups, and I take a gel on the line.

What is your favorite post-ride snack/meal?

I often have a stash of donuts, or cake/ candy set aside before the race and this is my go to after. I am very food motivated and use racing as an excuse to indulge in the dark side of the food world. P.S. have you met my wife?! She can whip up a mean dessert!

Points of Interest

Winning Pan Am Champs 2019 - This was my first elite title and it felt really good to nail down the result after putting in the work.

Taking the U23 National MTB title in 2014 in my home state just 1 hr from where I grew up. It was awesome because my entire immediate family was there. I still remember seeing the looks on their faces when I crossed the line.

Joining the Kona Adventure Team. This group of guys really showed me the good side of bike racing. The side that doesn't pay attention to watts/kg, tan lines, and saving grams. After the first adventure, I felt like we transitioned from friends to family and it has only gotten deeper since.