Steph Roorda

“We are made by what would break us”  - Krista Tippett

Nickname: Stephy, Viking

D.O.B.: December 3, 1986

Birth city and state: Calgary, AB

Current City: Vancouver, BC

Height: 173cm

Specialty: Track, Tactics

Previous sports: Downhill Ski Racing

Years racing: 10

Colleges attended: Douglas College

Instagram: @steroordaph https://www.instagram.com/steroordaph/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephkroorda/

Twitter: @stephroorda https://twitter.com/stephroorda

Steph Roorda started riding bikes as cross training in the summer for downhill ski racing. She always knew she loved riding bikes. So when she was finished downhill ski racing it was an easy and obvious transition to bike racing. She first started with Track, Cyclocross, and Road racing. As a few years went by training and racing became a bigger part of her life, with a focus on Track. Steph then had to opportunities to make it her full time career representing Canada.

Today she is 15 X World Cup and World Championship medalist. She is a founding member of the successful Canadian Women’s Team Pursuit squad, and a fundamental character and teammate in its success. Through training for Team Pursuit she has also gained notable success on the road. Steph is looking at transferring her knowledge of tactics and teamwork to a full time road racing career.

Career Highlights

  • 2018 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medal Team Pursuit
  • 2017 Pan American Madison Champion
  • 2 x Team Pursuit World Cup Points Leader: 2015/16, 2013/14
  • 2016 Bronze World Championships Scratch Race
  • 2015 Pan American Points Race Champion
  • 18 X Track World Cup and World Championships Medalist

2018

  • 2018 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medal Team Pursuit
  • Pan American Track Championships Silver, Madison
  • Omnium and Madison National Track Champion

2017

  • Pan American Madison Champion
  • 1st Glenco Grand Prix
  • 2nd National Criterium Championships
  • 3rd New Westminster Grand Prix

What inspired you to become a bike racer?

I grew up as a downhill ski racer. I have always been an athlete. Seeing how I can push myself, where my limits are, motivates me. When I starting riding bikes more, it was obvious to me that I was going to race them.

Who is an inspiration to you in your life, both on and off the bike?

My best friend, Noe. Her values in her life and how she stands up to the world with strength is inspiring. She also basically taught me how to be a good bike racer.

Favorite meal when training?

A Sandwich

The best thing about being a bike racer is?

Finding things out about yourself, things that you would never had thought you could achieve.

What is your biggest accomplishment on the bike?

Being a fundamental team member of the Canadian Women’s Team Pursuit team.

Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?

New Zealand. It is an extraordinarily beautiful country.

Favorite cross training or off season activity?

Hiking, the gym, Cyclo-cross, Yoga

Best tip for a new bike racer?

Be patient with yourself, your career will be unique to you.

What are one of two things that you do daily that are the key to your success?

Stretching and proper sleep.

If you weren’t bike racing what would you be?

A girl, in a city, with a job, riding my bike around!

If you could spend 10 days anywhere, where would it be?

I would spend 10 days with my family, and we would be skiing somewhere with lots of snow.

TWENTY20 has an emphasis on education with the initiation of our Junior Scholarship program Ride 4 Education

http://teamtwenty16.com/education.htmWhy is continued education important?

Continued education is especially important for female bike racers. There are very few athletes who will be able to have a full cycling career that sustains them for their entire life. It is important to have some balance, and a vision of what there is outside of an athletic career. An education is a great way to see that.

Favorite things to do off the bike:

  1. Dog walks
  2. Cooking
  3. Listening to Music
  4. Drinking Coffee
  5. Hanging out with friends

Top 5 warmup/pre-race songs on your iPod:

  1. It is all Lady Gaga

Favorite things to eat:

  1. Sandwiches
  2. Yogurt
  3. Apples
  4. Cereal

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