Maize Wimbush

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give“ - Winston Churchill

Nickname: Maizey

D.O.B.: March 29, 2006

Birth city and state: Clinton, Maryland

Current City: White Plains, Maryland

Height: 5ft 2in

Previous sports: Dance, Soccer

Years racing: 4

Personal Website link: www.imamaizen.com

Instagram link: @amaizencyclist

Facebook link: @amaizencyclist

Twitter link: @amaizencyclist

Maize Wimbush is a 13 year old competitive cyclist. She is a Maryland native that has been cycling since the age of 7, when she received her first road bike. Maize started racing competitively at the age of 9 and is entering her 5^th season. In just her second season, she won the Mid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association (MABRA) BAR.

Maize is a 7^th grade honor roll student, and plays the clarinet in the school band. She has the ultimate goal of becoming the first African American Female U.S. Olympic cyclist, competing in the 2024 U.S. Olympics. In April 2018, Maize kicked off her inaugural annual “Maize Wimbush Pedaling Pennies Fundraising Campaign,” raising over $5,000 for the patients and families of Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC. Maize has a true passion for cycling and great desire to help others in need.

Career Highlights:

2018 1^st MABRA (Mid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association) Road Race Championship 11-12 yrs Junior Girls
2018 1^st MABRA Criterium Championship 11-12 yrs Junior Girls
2018 Maize Wimbush Pedaling Pennies Fundraising Campaign for Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC
2018 18^th Bike Jam – Kelly Cup Women’s Category 4/5
2017 1^st Church Creek Time Trial #1, Cambridge, MD
2017 2^nd Miller School Road Race, Charlottesville, VA
2017 2^nd Tour de Tyson’s Circuit Race, Tysons Corner, VA

What inspired you to become a bike racer?

When I was 5 & 6 years old, I kept wanting to ride with my dad. For my 7^th birthday, he bought me my 1^st road bike and I did my first kids fun race finishing in 6^th place. I set a goal to win that same race next year and I did! After that, I was hooked and wanted go faster. At 9 years old I started racing competitively.

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

My Dad, my mom, Ms. Ayesha McGowan, Mr. Tony Wyllie are inspirations to me in my life, both on and off the bike.

Favorite meal when training?

My favorite meal while training consists of Science In Sport, Clif Bars, Waffle Stinger. After training, I love to have a sofritas burrito bowl from Chipotle.

Favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject is Mathematics.

The best thing about being a bike racer is?

The best thing about being a bike racer is getting to connect with other people from around the world.

What is your biggest accomplishment on the bike?

My biggest accomplishment on the bike is the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association BAR Champion

Favorite place you’ve raced your bike and why?

My favorite place I’ve raced my bike was at the 2018 National Championships, Hagerstown, MD. Having the chance to race against the best in the nation made it my favorite.

Favorite cross training or off season activity?

My favorite cross training during the off-season is weight training.

Best tip for a new bike racer?

The best tip for a new bike racer is to always keep your head up and stay alert.

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

Two things that I do on a daily are eating healthy, and daily affirmations.

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

When I graduate college, I am interested in becoming a photographer.

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

If I could spend 10 days anywhere, it would be California.

Tell us something about yourself that people may not know.

I play the clarinet.