Jamie Whitmore

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

Nickname: J-Dawg

D.O.B.: May 4, 1976

Birth city and state: Sacramento, CA

Current City: Somerset, CA

Height: 5’5”

Specialty: Road

Previous sports: Xterra and Mountain Biking

Years racing: 4 years cycling, 10 years Mountain Biking and Triathlon

Colleges attended: California State University, Northridge

Degree: BA in Criminology

Jamie is from Sacramento, California where she grew up swimming competitively. She then turned to running in High School, which earned her a scholarship to California State University, Northridge. After earning a degree in Criminology, she decided to give Triathlon a try! It was at this time she met her husband, Courtney who got her started in Mountain Biking. At the end of 2001 she turned pro in both Mountain Biking and Xterra (off-road triathlons!) For nearly 7 years, Jamie dominated the Xterra scene both in the U.S. and overseas. She racked up 37 Championship wins (more than any other female or male at that time), 6 U.S. Championship Titles and 1 World Title.

In 2008 she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, which was wrapped around her sciatic nerve. She lost the use of most of her left leg with a condition called “drop foot.” She also lost the use of her hamstring and glute muscle. After three years and twin boys, she returned to competition as a paracyclist. In the last 3 years she has won 9 World Titles (on the road and on the track) and set 2 world records in the 500TT and the 3K pursuit. Because of these great results, Jamie was nominated and won an ESPY for Best Female Athlete With A Disability. Besides being a mom and paracyclist, she also runs her own triathlon coaching business helping others reach their goals. Jamie can also be found sharing her story as a motivational speaker around the world.

Career Highlights

• 6x World Champion on the Road and Time Trial C3 Women
• 2x World Champion 500TT C3 Women
• 1x 3K Pursuit World Champion C3 Women
• #1 Ranking for C3 Women on the road and Track
• 2013/14/15 World Cup Overall Winner
• 2014 ESPY Winner Best Female Athlete with a Disability

What inspired you to become a bike racer?

Doctors told me I would never run again and probably never ride a bike. They may have been correct about the running thing but I wasn’t going to give up on riding. After 3 years of trying to get back on the bike, I finally found a brace that would allow me to cycle again.

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

I’m inspired on a daily basis by people who go above and beyond to help others. So many people out there are being the light, the hands and feet of Jesus. My dad is one of those people. He sacrifices for me every day. He helps with my kids so that I can train, travel and race. I hope I am as good of a parent as he has been to me.

Favorite meal when training?

Mexican food. I love eating at our local restaurant Dos Coyotes.

The best thing about being a bike racer is?

I love to travel. I love meeting people and experiencing different cultures. This is one of the coolest things about being a bike racer.

What is your biggest accomplishment on the bike?

 The Leadville 100 (which is really 104 miles) after being back on the bike for 1 year and with a disability.

Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?

This is a hard one. I’ve raced in some really cool places. New Zealand is beautiful but Saipan has so much history. I also loved Thailand and Japan.

Favorite cross training or off season activity?

Weights! I love getting back into the gym and pumping some iron!!

Best tip for a new bike racer?

Have fun. Just get out there and ride. Don’t worry about anything else.

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

Rest!! It is necessary to getting stronger. Eating a good breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day and should never be skipped. Breakfast for dinner is a double bonus.

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

Chasing bad guys! I wanted to be an FBI agent, US Marshal or Private Investigator.

What is something that nobody would know about you?

I watch a ton of TV. Any spare moment I have, I am glued to my favorite shows.

I’m a baker but I don’t eat a lot of sweets. I make goodies for others.

TWENTY16 has an emphasis on education with the initiation of our Junior Scholarship program in 2015. http://teamtwenty16.com/education.htm

Why is continued education important?

The more you learn the more you know. Knowledge is power. You can’t take that away from anyone.

What does Ridebiker Alliance mean to you?

Finding more like minded people when it comes to cycling. It is important o have the support of others these days not to mention other people to be able to ride with.

Favorite things to do off the bike:

1. Hanging out with my kids . . .which can involve riding bikes
2. Watching TV
3. Baking
4. Crafts (especially with the kids)
5. Random fun activities (Big Wheel racing, cruiser crit, scavenger hunts, etc)

Top 10 warmup/pre-race songs on your iPod:

1. I Get Knocked Down by Chumbawamba
2. Lose Yourself by Eminem
3. Bicycle by Queen
4. We are the Champions by Queen
5. Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and The Waves
6. The Lion Sleeps tonight by The Tokens
7. One Week by Bare Naked Ladies
8. I’m Just a Girl by No Doubt
9. American Woman by Lenny Kravitz
10. Red Red Wine by UB40