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In episode #186 we chat with pro mountain biker and US National Team member, Kelsey Urban about her journey into mountain biking as a kid, to competing at the highest levels globally. We delve into her training, race strategies, and her nuanced approach to nutrition and recovery that balances performance with life enjoyment.

KEY TOPICS

  • Cross-country mountain biking events and race strategies, nutrition and fueling tactics
  • Managing recovery and sleep post-race
  • Practical tips for weather adaptation and travel between time zones
  • Insights into the mental health advocacy and growth of women in cycling
  • The evolution of sports supplements and common trends

Please note that this podcast is created strictly for educational purposes and should never be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.

ABOUT KELSEY URBAN:

Riding her mountain bike since she was a kid, Kelsey Urban has grown into one of the best cross country mountain bike riders in the country, breaking into the top 10 of the UCI World Series in 2025 and riding for the US National team in 2025 and 2026. Riding professionally since 2017, Kelsey also attended Stanford and is an advocate for mental health, athlete development and the growth of women’s cycling. 

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TIMESTAMPS:


00:00 - Introduction to Kelsey Urban’s background and career highlights

01:41 - How Kelsey got into mountain biking & her childhood influences

03:43 - Explanation of Olympic cross-country mountain biking disciplines

04:56 - Race durations and strategies for short track vs. cross-country events

06:26 - Transition from childhood biking to professional racing & team experiences

07:50 - Rise of women in cycling and team growth over years

10:07 - Kelsey’s journey through high school sports and early competitions

13:32 - Pre-race fueling strategies for short track and cross-country races

14:45 - The importance of carbohydrate loading and digestion considerations

16:41 - Balancing fats, proteins, and carbs for season-long performance

18:09 - Adjusting nutrition for hot weather and multi-day events

20:25 - Pre-race meal examples and mental preparation techniques

22:28 - Post-race recovery nutrition and hydration practices

23:28 - Managing sleep and relaxation after intense competition

26:57 - Supplements like tart cherry, magnesium—do they make a difference?

29:21 - Strategies for adapting to jet lag and time zone transitions

31:06 - Nutritional planning for race day, hydration, and race gear

42:38 - Race-day in-race nutrition and hydration routines

47:32 - Final revelations on her two truths and lie & future race plans

50:02 - How professional athletes view trends and the importance of trusting oneself

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Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör Kyla Channell, MSc Nutrition & Human Performance. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Kyla Channell, MSc Nutrition & Human Performance och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.