Robin Farina
Thirty-three-year-old pro cyclist Robin Farina is a cycling coach and co-owner of Uptown Cycles, a bike shop and training facility in Charlotte.
FAVORITE WORKOUT:
Getting on my road bike and heading up to Blowing Rock and doing the Blood Sweat and Gears 50. I lived in Blowing Rock and would do that 50-mile loop 3–4 times a week. The views are amazing and the climbing was brutal. The training in the NC mountains is some of the best in the country.
BEST FINISH IN 2010:
1st The Air Force Cycling Classic in Arlington, VA
4th in Tour of Gila Time Trial. I was happiest about this grueling and windy TT.
3rd in the San Dimas Uphill TT, which has shown that I am true all-arounder in the sport of cycling.
OTHER ACCOLADES:
1st Overall Female Take Flight Sprint Triathlon
2nd Overall Female Hickory Knob Sprint Triathlon
First Female Finisher El Tour de Tucson 2009
2nd, U.S. 10k Classic
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN A RACE:
The Cascade Cycling Classic this year in Bend, OR. My teammate was in the yellow leader’s jersey after a fantastic prologue. We were to hit the mountains the next day and defend yellow. My team, Team Vera Bradley Foundation, had a very strong group there but, our competition had some very good climbers at that race. On one of the big climbs, our girl in yellow could not hang with the best climbers so we were forced to do a team chase. Four of us basically did a team time trial for over 50 miles in order to bring back the gap of the climbers. It was an example of how cycling and life is a team sport. Sometimes you have to sacrifice your own personal goals for the greater good. That day was very memorable for me and always will be.
GOALS FOR 2011:
To win a NRC stage race and podium at U.S. Nationals
Compete at Nationals in sprint triathlon
Finish on the podium at an Olympic-distance triathlon
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“That which won’t kill you will only make you stronger” . . . Author unknown
