21-Year-Old Cyclist Chelsea Matias on Racing (and Winning) Like a Girl
21-year-old cyclist Chelsea Matias. (Photo: Boostamantefotos)
Biking three blocks in New York City is an accomplishment – just ask any Manhattanite who’s awkwardly experimented with a Citi Bike.
Or, talk to 21-year-old Chelsea Matias, who’s gone through a few windshields and been hit by several vehicles. “More than six cars in a four-month span is not good. It hurt a lot,” says the Bronx native. But she’s not bragging – it’s part of who she’s become since she started cycling and competing. “Anything that pops up, I try to get involved in,“ says Matias, who is one of three female competitors in this evening’s showdown. “I try to show a woman’s presence, [and am] trying to motivate other females to get out there and ride.”
Tonight, along with top cyclists from across the country, the Empire State College environmental technology and sustainability student is participating in Red Bull’s Mini Drome race, which takes place on a rare figure 8 track, in Queens.
Here’s how the race works: 32 riders, in teams of two, are timed as they speed to see who is the fastest. Once the pool is narrowed down to the eight quickest teams (16 riders), the remaining competitors race head-to-head with the 32 fastest cyclists from the previous year.
While packing a pink helmet, she tells us about her motivation for beating the boys and overcoming injury.
Yahoo Beauty: How did you become involved in extreme sports?
Chelsea Matias: I skateboarded a lot with the kids on my block. I played basketball throughout elementary school and high school. I grew up with my cousins. My brother and father were always sports fanatics. They always taught me how to play different sports – pretty much everything. I love that pure adrenaline. That’s all I’ve ever known.
Do you typically wear makeup?
I have my helmet. It’s matte pink. It’s super feminine to me. I love it. I also can’t live without my eyeliner. Everybody knows me for having my eyeliner on. I usually get really sweaty. By the end of the race, it’s half off anyways.
Do you compete in sports besides cycling?
Cycling is pretty extreme and as extreme as it’s gone, especially participating in alley cats [informal bike races].
What inspires you?
All the women in cycling today, actually. The fact that so many of them are making history and breaking barriers in a once all-male dominated sport. It’s inspiring. Just yesterday I found out a female racer was racing in an all-men’s grand prix.
Why is it so important for girls and women to be involved?
Women are more than capable to sit with the guys. Better yet, we’re more than capable of kicking their butts and taking over podiums. Just the fact that the female cycling community is growing by the second – it’s really inspiring to have a little part in it. I can’t wait for what the future brings.
Anything else that motivates you?
Just the fight in my blood. Being on an all guys team right now, and seeing how they ride, and how aggressive they are, makes me push myself to my limit. If they’re capable of breaking barriers, definitely I can do the same. Just seeing so many people out there, it just really inspires me to get on my bike every day. It makes me feel more alive than walking and living a normal life, as people say.
Who are your role models?
My dad inspires me a lot. He just helps me with, “Never give up, keep trying,” because growing up, in all the sports I was involved with – I was the only girl on the basketball team. I was the only girl on the baseball team. It shouldn’t be like that. It should be at least equal.
Obviously, you play with the boys – but what is their initial reaction?
For the most part, after showing my capability of keeping up with them or even beating them, they’ve warmed up to me. They’ve accepted me. But, usually some men are in that juvenile phase. “Guys are not supposed to be dominated by girls. I don’t go [along] with that stereotype. I’ve proved otherwise to the guys – especially the cyclists in New York. They’re really accepting. It’s a good community to be in.
Do you find guys are always competitive?
Of course. There will be moments in a race where I’m head-to-head with them, and they’re like killing themselves to try to pass me. I see the pain in their eyes, “I’ve got to beat this girl. I’ve got to beat her.” I’m like, “No…” I pass them anyway. They start screaming and hollering, “I can’t believe this!”
What injuries have you accumulated from cycling?
Quite a few, actually. From alley cats, and riding in The Bronx all the time, there’s always been a problem with car crashes. Once, I was on a training ride, and I wound up falling off the bike and breaking a couple of bones in my hand. I wound up cutting the cast off to go to a Velodrome race. I still raced Redhook with all the injuries. I need to let myself heel! I’ve fallen, been out for weeks. I’ve gotten T-boned a couple of times.
The Red Bull Mini Drome figure 8 track that Matias will compete on. (Photo: Red Bull)
How did you prepare for the Red Bull Mini Drome figure 8 track?
I ride my bike almost every single day. I try to get on my bike for 8 hours a day, total. I don’t think anyone can completely prepare, because it’s a completely different set up than last year. I feel like there are many more twists and turns to come. This will be interesting. I don’t think this is something I can mentally prepare myself for.
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