Ep 20: Haley Batten is an Elite XC Mountain Biker Representing the USA and Park City, Utah
Women’s cycling has reached new heights over the past five years, and it’s been thrilling to see US cyclists achieve incredible results and grow along with the sport. One such cyclist is today’s guest, Haley Batten, who, at just 24 years old, has already stood on the XCO World Cup podium three times! In today’s episode, we sit down with Haley to discuss the elements that shaped her as a young athlete, the surreal experience of competing at such a high level, and what she loves most about mountain biking. Tuning in, you’ll hear Haley recall her experiences growing up in Park City, how the cycling community there shaped her identity as a young athlete, and why it’s still one of her favorite places to ride. She also reflects on her latest season, why she loves cycling with a teammate, and how she prepares during her training. Tune in today for a wonderful conversation on the joys and challenges of cycling and competing alongside the most talented people in the world!
Key Points From This Episode:
Get to know Elite XC Mountain Biker, Haley Batten.
The pivotal role that Park City played in Haley’s formative years as a cyclist.
Haley shares her favorite trails in Park City.
Learn about the biggest milestones in Haley’s cycling career.
A reflection on the accomplishments of female US cyclists over the past five years.
How mountain biking is growing as a sport.
Why watching women’s races is so exciting.
An overview of Haley’s latest season.
Learn about the Cape Epic in South Africa and how it differs from the World Cup XC format.
How Haley and her teammate, Sofia Gomez Villafane, won the Cape Epic in 2022.
The challenges and joys of riding with a teammate.
Haley’s experience of the World Cup in Val di Sole, Italy, and the World Championships in Les Gets, France.
The power of the mind in mountain biking.
What it’s like operating at your peak as an athlete.
Haley’s favorite types of courses and what routes she finds most challenging.
Examples of how courses are leveling up and how to prepare during your training.
Hear Haley’s answers to our lightning round of questions!
Tweetables:
“I think to get the quality training, whether that's indoors or outdoors, it's yeah, it's mostly alone and very structured for me at least.” — @BattenHaley [0:04:28]
“Park City is core to a lot of who I am as an athlete. I think it's because it's a mountain town. You have access. You have the Olympic Training Center, and amazing trail systems like nothing in the world.” — @BattenHaley [0:06:43]
“It takes a while to realize, as a young athlete, how influential people are in your career. But I think now I can say that a lot of who I am and what I've become is because of the amazing people and opportunities that I've had in my life.” — @BattenHaley [0:16:41]
“It's inclusive of this teammate that you have. You have to be able to react in a race situation together and be super aware of each other. It's a special experience. It really is. It's super cool and I love that part of it.” — @BattenHaley [0:26:05]
“World Championships has always been a big goal of mine. There's something about wearing the rainbow stripes and being able to say that you were able to be the best when everybody else was also trying to be the best.” — @BattenHaley [0:32:03]
“My favorite part about mountain bike racing is being in this race in these tight battles that are really exciting. My body and mind are being challenged at the absolute limit.” — @BattenHaley [0:35:42]