Denise(Left) with Silver at Nationals

10 Questions with "Team Ontario's" Denise Ramsden– Canada Summer Games Athlete

1. What is your age and hometown?

A. 18, Mississauga ON

2. When you're not biking what is some of the things that you like to do? I.e. Hobbies.

A. When I'm not biking… I like to read, cook, sleep (starts to count as a hobby when you're a cyclist), and spend time with friends.

3. Given the chance to ride with anyone who would it be and why?

A. I think I would want to ride with Clara Hughes because she is a Canadian who has been extremely successful both in the cycling world and in speed skating. It would be interesting and inspiring to hear her take on everything and her stories.

4. How do you feel your performance has been thus far in the season?

A. I've been happy with my performance so far this season. It's been a step up for me moving into the Elite category, but it has been fun to do a bunch of the UCI stage races and race against some of the top girls in the World.

5. Who do you feel is the most up and coming rider on this years Canada Summer Games Team and why?

A. I would say Katie Spittlehouse because since last year she has been constantly improving and as a junior on the CSG team I think that this shows her growing potential for the future.

6. What is favorite place to ride? Why?

A.  One of my favourite places to ride is South Carolina because there are long rides with lots of climbing to do, but I also like Tucson and California for the weather and surroundings.

7. Finish the following sentences:

            My last thought before a big bike race (such as nationals) is…

A.      Honestly, before a road race it will probably something totally inconsequential… I                    feel better if I go in relaxed.

What motivates you to compete…

            A I'm motivated to compete by the challenge that cycling presents and pushing myself as far as I can. I think it all comes down to a love of physical activity and sport in general.

8. If you could give a cycling race tip to anybody – what would it be?

A.  You'll always feel better having tried to do something in a race and having it not work out than sitting in the pack and not taking the risk. And at some point the risk will pay off.

9. What has been the happiest moment on your bike thus far?

A. That's pretty hard to pin down, but I'm going to say winning my first Junior National Road title in 2007 because it was kind of the start of everything and the biggest surprise.

10. Are you excited for Canada Summer Games this year? and why?

A. I'm excited for Canada Summer Games this year because it will be my first time going, and I'm looking forward to experiencing a nation-wide multi sport event after having participated in the Ontario Winter Games before.