2022 GOALS: Kamren Larsen (USA)

Feb 16, 2022

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 2353 times

When you end the season on a high note, it's easier to go into the winter training program to get ready for the next year. United States' Kamren Larsen has made the national team multiple times at the big international races and plans on getting picked again in 2022. His goals are to progress as a racer and to do everything possible to get get out of that 80% group of fast riders to make mains and podiums. We checked in with Kamren and here's his plan.

Name: Kamren Larsen
Age: 22
Hometown: Bakersfield, California, USA

Sponsors: Haro Bikes, Fly Racing, USA Cycling, E6

Did 2021 turn out the way you wanted?
Kamren Larsen: Yes and no, it was a rocky start, but with all of the circumstances I was happy to end the season with a podium finish at the USA BMX Grands and a 3rd in the series overall.

With the start of the new year, are you always looking to become a faster racer?
Kamren Larsen: I think we racers we are all looking for that little edge. The field is deep, so even just a few 10ths here and there are huge. I’m always looking to be faster.

Have you picked your races for 2022 yet?
Kamren Larsen: For the most part yes. All tentative to the World guidelines. I expect to be competing as much as I can in the United States and be at all of the UCI World Cups this season.

What did you change on your bike for 2022?
Kamren Larsen: Nothing too major, handlebar adjustments and some gearing changes were it. I’ve been fortunate enough to be on this Haro for 3 of our 5 years of me being pro, so my set up is just how I like it.

Do you generally test things in the off season like different tires, different sized frames, wider bars, longer stems, different gears?
Kamren Larsen: Yes to a lot of those! As I get “older” I am actually pretty interested in the technology of all of the products that are out these days. Like I mentioned before, I’m looking for every inch!

What racing gear will you be running in 2022?
Kamren Larsen: Most likely a stock 44-16, that seems to work for me.

What's the helmet of your choice for the new season?
Kamren Larsen: Fly Racing Formula! I’ve been in this helmet now for 4 years and have taken some hard crashes with no head injuries. I look to be in Fly for a while.

Do you intend to eat better in 2022?
Kamren Larsen: Haha, being small and light makes it tough. I just need to consume more food. I eat pretty good on the daily I’d like to think.

Has your training schedule changed from last year?
Kamren Larsen: I’m pretty locked in with my training. A few minor changes but for the most part, it’s just about making a plan and putting in the hours.

Who is helping you with your training schedule?
Kamren Larsen: I’ve been with AMV15 for about 5-6 years now.

Do you get help with mental coaching?
Kamren Larsen: Here and there, I’m grateful USAC gives me the opportunities when I need them.

What's your local BMX track that you ride the most?
Kamren Larsen: Since I’ve relocated to Florida, it’s been Tampa BMX. Got to give a shout-out to TO Brian for being cool and letting us ride.

Do you ride pump tracks and trails to improve your bike handling skills?
Kamren Larsen: In Florida there isn’t many trails or pump tracks. On the track skills are all I do.

What are your strengths?
Kamren Larsen: My power to weight ratio, and my mental game.

What are your weaknesses?
Kamren Larsen: My Chic fil A addiction

What are your goals for 2022?
Kamren Larsen: I’d like to get to every race healthy and fight for every position out there. The results will handle themselves.

PICS BY: Joey Cobbs

See how the others prepared for 2022:

1) Camille Maire (FRA)
2) Stefan Heil (GER)
3) Vincent Pelluard (COL)
4) Eddy Clerté (FRA)
5) Aiko Gommers (BEL)
6) Payton Ridenour (USA)
7) Sylvain André (FRA)
8) Elke Vanhoof (BEL)
9) Izaac Kennedy (AUS)
10) Asuma Nakai (JPN)
11) Ross Cullen (GBR)
12) Bethany Shriever (GBR)
13) Joshua McLean (AUS)
14) Cameron Wood (USA)
15) Arthur Pilard (FRA)
16) Anthony Bucardo (USA)
17) Mitchel Schotman (NED)
18) Kamren Larsen (USA)