Zoe Ta-Perez

“A lot of people run a race to see who is the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, push himself even more.” ~ Steve Prefontaine

D.O.B.: March 27, 2002

Location: Orange, California

Current City: Orange, California

Height: 5’5”

Specialty: All around

Previous sports: Running

College or High school name: Canyon High School

Nickname: Zo

Years racing: 2 years

Connect with Rider:

Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/1066306

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoennoah.taperez

Instagram: @zoetaperez

Zoe is fifteen-year-old cyclist from Orange, California. She is a 2x National Champion after her first road season last year. She focuses mainly on road and track. She started learning how to ride the track about five years ago by going once a week to learn the basic rules and foundation. Zoe decided to race early last year and has loved the sport since. She enjoys training and setting big goals for herself. She feels that riding with TWENTY20 helps her gain experience in racing by learning from some of the best elite athletes in the world.

Career Highlights

  • 1st place, USA Cycling Jr. Road Nationals Criterium, 2016
  • 1st place, USA Cycling Jr. Track Nationals Omnium, 2016
  • 1st place, USATF XC Junior Nationals, 2012

2016

  • 1st place, USA Cycling Jr. Road Nationals Criterium, 2016
  • 1st place, USA Cycling Jr. Track Nationals Omnium , 2016
  • 2nd place, USA Cycling Jr. Road Nationals, Time Trial, 13-14
  • 3rd place, USA Cycling Jr. Road Nationals, Road Race, 13-14

What inspired you to start bike racing?

I started racing after a long cross-country season, and wanted to start something new. I tried it, really enjoyed riding, and then decided to race.

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

My family, friends, coach, and a lot of others people inspire me everyday, both on and off the bike.

Favorite subject in school?

Probably Biology and Math.

Favorite meal when training?

Pasta!

The best thing about racing bikes?

The best thing about racing bikes is riding around with great people, being able to always set more goals, and traveling.

Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?

My favorite place I’ve raced so far is Copenhagen, Denmark for the Mini 6-Day. It was such an awesome experience, and I had so much fun time racing Madison with my good friend Makayla.

Favorite cross training or off-season activity?

Running with my cross-country teammates.

Best advice to give the student-athlete.

The most important thing to do is to balance and use your time wisely. It plays a big role in performing well both at school and on the bike.

Tell us something that people wouldn't know about you?

When I was little, I had four lobes in my right lung, but the surgeon took one out when I was six months old.

TWENTY16 has an emphasis on education with the initiation of our Junior Scholarship program in 2015.

Explain why it is important for an athlete to pursue education by going on to college after high school.

It is so important to pursue education by going on to college after high school because sometimes not everything will go your way, especially in a sport. Going to college means that you’ll have a fallback just in case something doesn’t work out.

What does Ridebiker Alliance mean to you?

It’s pretty cool that Ridebiker Alliance supports our team and women’s cycling; while also supporting tons of other teams.

Favorite things to do off the bike:

  • Shop
  • Hang out with my friends
  • Netflix
  • Adventure runs

Top 10 warm-up/pre-race songs on your iPod:

I rarely listen to music before a big race, but when I do it’s pretty random.


SRAM Felt Bicycles ZIPP Quarq Athlos Kenda Tire