“I’m grateful that we are in the sport together”

If you have been to a local CCAP event this year, there is a very good chance you have seen this 14-year-old smiling. If not, meet Elena Huber, a dedicated young cyclist whose journey with CCAP has not only honed her racing skills but has also deeply instilled in her the values of community, perseverance, and dedication.

Elena lives in Woodbridge Connecticut, and has been an active 3-season (MTB, Road, and CX) C-Capper since she was 9 years old. She sets a superb example of a student-athlete who strives to be strong in her sport, all while keeping her off-the-bike priorities in order.

It was a joy to get her response to a few questions recently.

How has your time as a CCAP racer evolved since you joined at the age 9?

Elena - I’ve definitely become more confident in my racing and I’ve learned to enjoy the entirety of the sport. When I was younger, I didn’t fully comprehend what it meant to race and I didn’t enjoy every second of it. As I get older, I see racing more as an opportunity and less of a chore. It's also made me appreciate all the little elements that are involved in racing, such as technique, timing, and maintaining your bike. Young cyclists like me are lucky that CCAP has built a community where I know that I will be supported in my racing and always have a great time. 

How has having your brother and sister on the team made it better?
Has it been challenging in any way?

Elena - Having my brother being the one that introduced the family to the sport, made it easier to stay consistent with it, even when I was younger. Once me and my sister joined, it became something that my family could all bond through. I’ve seen my brother as the “role model,” and I’ve always tried to be as good as him, even when he's two years older than me. Having my sister on the team is great because I always have someone to talk to and help improve. They can both be a pain at times, but I’m really grateful that we all are in the sport together. 

How has being part of the RTX / Rail Trailers team shaped how you think of cycling and your goals for the future?

Elena - I’ve been on the Rail Trailers for what feels like forever now, and one thing I’ve learned is how important community and having support is in cycling. As I went to other races out of state, I noticed how I missed having a tent with my coaches and teammates in it. Cycling technically is an individual sport, but it’s never really been the case for me. I’ve had many people who aren’t my parents pin my number, make sure I’ve eaten and I’ve had many teammates support me during races, even when we were racing together. My goals are evidently to try my best in each race, but I see how important good sportsmanship is and that riding without enjoying yourself/supporting others has no point. 

What do you like the most about being a bike rider and racer?
Do these things motivate you during the races?

Elena - I love the fact that racing is a big mental game. You clearly need to have trained and have some strength, but it’s funny how it's our own minds holding us back from pushing harder. Whenever I race I tell myself that it isn’t a race if you aren’t in constant pain. I try to ignore the pain as much as I can and just keep going. Obviously, this doesn’t work every time, but when it does, I really feel accomplished.

What is your favorite part of MTB racing? Road racing? And lastly, what is your favorite part of Cyclocross?

I love how different MTBing is to cyclocross. Undeniably, it's more technical. MTB races are usually longer than cyclocross, and you can make up time by relying on the technical skills that our coaches have helped us master.  I haven’t raced as much on the road, but I want to do more. From the couple of crits I’ve done, I love the teamwork involved. You have to work with those around you and take turns, which has all been very new to me but I have started to feel the thrill. And lastly, Cyclocross being my favorite, I love the short punchy hills and the barriers. It shows me how racing isn’t always about the legs. Having strength in your core and running are also necessary to be a good cyclocross rider. 

What has been your favorite cycling or team moment you've had with your CCAP team?

Every time we have Cheshire Cross, it's always a blast. Meeting up to clear the trail, being able to contribute to some of the course, and pre-riding the course a bunch of times will always be cherished. Being there on the actual race day, seeing others enjoy the grass we ride every practice, and riding up Heckle Hill after practicing all season is a special feeling. All the food trucks, music, and all the cheering give you an experience like no other.

Thank you Elena for taking the time to answer these questions. Good luck in your future endevors, on the bike and otherwise!