Performance Bicycle Racing Profile – Evie Boswell-Vilt

Meet Elite Rider Evie Boswell-Vilt

Age: 33
USCF: Category 1
Hometown: Coal City, IL
Current: Chapel Hill, NC
Profession: Research Associate

After 14 months of bicycle racing, Evie was ranked #1 in the US for Masters road racing, age 30+ in 2009. Her athletic prowess started when she attended college on a full scholarship for cross country running; she has been acquiring athletic accomplishments ever since.

Evie has already started her 2010 season strong, with a win at the Rock Hill Omnium last weekend!  It was a big early season race with hefty competition and Evie was 2nd in the Street Sprints, Queen of the Mountains in the Road Race and 2nd in the Criterium, giving  her the Omnium crown.

Overall Podium at Rock Hill

How long have you been racing?

This will be my 3^rd season. I started racing cyclocross in 2007, then raced my first road season in 2008.

Who or what inspired you to start racing?

I bought a road bike to do a duathlon, because of my background in running and the close proximity of the duathlon to where I was living.  However, the idea of cyclocross was what really got me interested in racing a bike.

What do you do for a living?

I work in academic research as a project manager.

What race are you most proud of?

At masters road nationals last year, I was delivered a huge lesson- it was a small field, and I was off the back for most of the race contemplating a DNF, but persevered, then caught the field in the last few miles to sprint for 2^nd.

What do you do for fun when you’re off the bike?

I used to play disc golf, ultimate Frisbee and backpack a lot.  Now I paint, cook and read for fun b/c it doesn’t interfere with cycling as much as the former activities.

What was your first bike?

Steel Bianchi Vigorelli.  It’s now a single speed.

What’s your dream spot to go for a ride?

I’d love to ride through the winding French countryside with my soon to be husband.  Scotland on a mountain bike looks pretty awesome though, too.

Scottish Highlands

Any pre-race rituals or routines? Something you can’t race without (pre-race meal, warm-up, lucky charms)?

Actually- I tend to do something completely different before each race; mostly I’m narrowing it down to drinking a lot of water and training my brain remain focused and competitive throughout a race.

Favorite music to train to?

I like strong repetitive beats.  If I have to do intervals, it’s usually to wolf parade.

Any nicknames for other team members? For yourself?

Well, there is already a “super Evie” out there on the circuit, but I am pretty sure I have a lot of nicknames- “E” is the most simple yet effective one. I think our team will promote gratuitous usage of nicknames once we all settle into knowing each other.

What are your goals for this upcoming season?

Effectively manage an elite women’s team with fun and purpose.  Continue to train and race at a more competitive level.  Get Joe and Laura in our team support car for Philly, once we’re invited.

Any advice for an aspiring racer?

Cycling as an event is a tough and unforgiving sport- experience, luck and attitude play a huge role in a competitor’s success or failure during a race.  As a result, I’ve found that riding  your bike because you enjoy it is paramount to anything beyond.

Read more about the Performance Bicycle Racing Team.