Cynisca Cycling

Claire Windsor

The. advocate

Claire Windsor

USA   

HOMETOWN: Travelers Rest, South Carolina

DOB: 20 February 2000

Claire is a committed and hard-working teammate and was a leader on the LUX team. She has an aggressive racing style and is well-suited to punchy climbs. Her busy 2022 racing season included 15 top ten and five podium finishes plus a solid UCI race block in Europe. In 2021, she finished 3rd in the USA U23 National criterium and 4th in the U23 road race championships.

Claire recently received a double major B.A. in geography and global studies and two minors in environmental studies and Spanish from the University of South Carolina (Honors College) in Columbia, SC. She hopes to one day work as an urban planner focused on sustainable city improvements and adaptations to climate change.

Follow her on Instagram at: cl.air.wind

Q&A with Claire:

Interesting jobs you’ve had?

“Intern for the South Carolina Energy Office, research assistant for the University of South Carolina’s Geography Department, clean energy intern for Conservation Voters of South Carolina, bike shop assistant/mechanic at university’s bike shop, intern for Environment America, food drive coordinator at Harvest Hope Food Bank”

Special awards?

“Algeron Sydney Sullivan Award (highest university honor to one female senior), Julian J. Petty Award (university award from the Geography Department to the most outstanding female senior), Outstanding Senior Award, University President’s Award”

Pets?

“Three dogs (Habibi, Coco, Sadie) and 20 sheep”

Do you volunteer? Any causes you currently support?

“I am passionate about issues related to environmental protection and climate change. As an undergraduate student, I volunteered my time with the University of South Carolina’s Office of Sustainability and Student Government in order to advocate for university and city level changes to lower greenhouse gas emissions. I volunteer and donate to Conservation Voters of South Carolina, Upstate Forever, and my local Sierra Club chapter. During major election seasons, I volunteer with various campaigns and the Environmental Defense Fund in order to make sure sustainability issues are communicated to voters.”

What do you consider your strengths in cycling?

“I am a strong climber on punchier courses. I enjoy aggressive racing tactics because I am strong with making decisive attacks especially on technical or punchy parts of the course. I am confident about my cornering and descending skills. I am a very committed, communicative, and helpful teammate.”

What do you consider your strengths off the bike?

“I am a curious and open-minded learner. I am very diligent and organized. I am confident when I have to take initiative for myself or others, especially in moments when leadership is needed. I keep a positive attitude despite obstacles and adapt to changes well.”

Who are your role models?

“My parents, Malala Yousafzai, Michelle and Barack Obama, Sixto Diaz Rodriguez”

 What inspires you?

“That there is a hopeful and outspoken generation of activists taking leadership roles across the world in order to fight for equity and sustainability.”

What do you like to do when not training/racing? 

“I like to read books and research/news articles, watch movies, tend to a vegetable garden, and cook new recipes.”

Where is your favorite place to ride?

“Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina”

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