Race 3 Performance MVP: Cole Kersey
Meet Cole Kersey, our Sacramento Cyclocross 2023 Singlespeed A Series Champion and Race 3 MVP. We’re highlighting Cole because his relaxed demeanor, unwavering positivity and no frills passion for racing bikes and pushing his limits. Cole is a well-rounded athlete competing in many forms of cycling, and we also see him crossing the finish line of the major running events we’re a part of with impressive times, almost breaking the 3 hour mark at last year’s California International Marathon and a top 10 overall finish at this year’s Salmon Falls 50k trail run with a sub 5 hour time. Cole’s athleticism was certainly on display at Orangevale… earning 2nd place in the Men’s A race on his singlespeed and then later taking the win in the SS race… hopping every barrier along the way. Performance Bicycle is proud to help us honor Cole with a $100 gift card!
How long have you been racing cyclocross and how did you get into it?
I raced my first cyclocross race in 2016 only a couple months after getting my first non BMX bike. I was working at Mikes Bikes in Folsom at the time, so with Rodeocross going on right down the street my coworkers talked me into trying it out. I raced on and off for a couple years then I think around 2019 was when I started racing single speed and that’s when I really got hooked.
What is your “day job” and how do you balance the training needed to compete at a high level and all your other responsibilities?
I work in the bike industry as a product developer for PNW Components. With that I have the flexibility of taking days off here and there to head to races and my work days are generally over earlier in the day so I have enough time to get out for a ride. When I don’t have the time to head out on a couple hour ride I’ll usually sneak in a short run which seems to help me with CX fitness.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your cycling career?
Other than a few concussions while mountain biking, I’ve been pretty lucky to not have had any major injuries from cycling. My biggest challenge may very well have been getting smoked by race director Clint Claassen for years when he was still racing the single speed category.
Tell us about your race bike! What is it and how have you personalized it?
For my race bike, I’m racing a steel frame that I built myself for the cross season under the brand name MSRY bikes. Built up with PNW components handlebar, stem, and bar tape. Went with a carbon fork, seatpost, and wheels to offset the weight of the steel frame. 33mm tires to keep it sketchy and of course 42×17 single speed gearing.
What are your goals for this season?
Right now the goal is to go for the overall series win in the Single Speed category at both Sac CX and BASP CX series. I’m also planning on hopping into the Mens A category some more this year and hoping to make it back on the podium.