Homare Yamashita

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new ” - Albert Einstein

Nickname: Munchkin

D.O.B.: 1/4/2005

Birth city and state: Torrance,California

Current City: Breinigsville

Height: 5’

Specialty: Track cycling

Previous sports: Gymnastics and tennis

Years racing: 3 years

Instagram link https://www.instagram.com/homareyamashita/

Homare began cycling when she was 10 years old. Her dad got her a new Specialized road bike. After she got her bike, she started going on easy bike rides with her dad. Homare discovered track cycling when she was put into Bicycle Racing League. In 2016 Homare joined a junior team, T-Town Elite.Then a year later she joined a coaching team called Big Picture Cycling. She is now coached by Missy Erickson. Homare does Track, Road, and Cyclocross.

Other than cycling Homare enjoys playing the piano, cuddling with dogs, camping and, reading books. Homare also works hard on her academics. She tries to get many A's on her grades as much as possible. The last two years in her middle school years she has gotten high honor roll every marking period. Homare tries to maintain a healthy relationship between cycling and her academics. Homare likes to try new stuff so she can challenge herself.

Career Highlights

2018 2nd Junior Track National Omnium
2017 2nd Junior Track National Omnium
2016 Cyclocross PA BAR Champion
2016 Time Trial PA State Champion
2016 Cyclocross PA State Champion
2015 PA Bar Road Champion

2018

1st Track Ontario Provincial Championship, Point Race
2nd Junior Track National, Scratch Race
2nd Junior Track Ontario Provincial Championships, Individual Pursuit
2nd Northeast Regional Junior Track Championship, Scratch Race
2nd Northeast Regional Junior Track Championship, Scratch Race
3rd Junior Track National,Scratch Race
3rd Northeast Regional Junior Track Championship, Point Race
4th Track ontario Provincial Championship, Scratch Race
5th Junior Track National, Point Race
9th Junior Road National, Road Race
9th Junior Road National, Criterium
10th Junior Track National, Time Trial

2017

2nd Junior Track National, Time Trial
2nd Junior Track National, Scratch Race
2nd Junior Track National, Point Race
2nd Northeast Regional Junior Track Championship,Omnium
2nd Northeast Regional Junior Track Championship, Scratch Race
2nd Northeast Regional Junior Track Championship, Time Trial
10th Junior Cyclocross National

What inspired you to become a bike racer?

At a young age I watched my dad race, I think my dad inspired me to become a bike racer.

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

Missy Erickson inspires me in my life on and off the bike.

Favorite meal when training?

Banana, Smoothies, and clementines

Favorite subject in school?

Science

The best thing about being a bike racer is?

Having the feeling of accomplishment when the race is done.

What is your biggest accomplishment on the bike?

Getting on the podium at Track National on Jr. 13-14, when I was only 13 years old.

Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?

Valley Preferred Cycling Center because it is my home track and I feel happy there.

Favorite cross training or off season activity?

Skill session for cross.

Best tip for a new bike racer?

Keep going even when it’s hard.

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

Continue every day and put in effort in things that I do.

What job would you like when you graduate from college/trade school?

Doctor

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

Okinawa, Japan or Hokkaido, Japan

Tell us something about yourself that people may not know

I am actually a very nerdy girl. I like to learn new stuff especially something using technology.

Favorite things to do off the bike:

Play the Piano
Read a book
Spend time with my dogs
Go camping
Take a nap

Top 5 warm up/pre-race songs on your iPod:

Whatever it takes
Believer
Can’t Stop the Feeling!
Shake It Off
Happy (Pharrell Williams)

Favorite things to eat.

Fried chicken
French fries
Steak
Ice cream