Q & A with Cyclocross Youngster Kaya Musgrave

Kaya Musgrave might only be 17 years old, but this young & talented lady already has a wealth of experience under her belt!

 She started her cycling career at the tender age of 6 and currently forms part of the Euro Cross Academy, an organisation that has been developing American cyclocross riders since 2003 with full-immersion racing blocks in the heart of Flemish Belgium.

Kaya has been a Squirt Cycling Products ambassador for over 4 years and it’s been a privilege to follow her career, watch her grow and share in her adventures.

Although only 17 Kaya has clear perspective on her chosen sport: “I can't help but reflect on all the sacrifices I've made to get me here. Long hours of training. Keeping up with sleep. Making sure I can race as fast and as smoothly as possible is often hard as a high school kid. Missing school dances, parties, and hanging out with friends is a necessary sacrifice for me so I can do what I love”. One can only have respect and admiration for this lady!

It was great to be able to catch up with lovely Kaya for a quick Q & A. Her approach to sport (&life) is inspiring!

Who is Kaya Musgrave?

I am Kaya Musgrave and I am a student athlete who loves to race bikes and travel around the world. 

Where is home?

The place I call home is Littleton Colorado, just against the foothills!

When did you fall in love with bikes?

I first fell in love with bikes when I was 6 years old back in 2011

What is it that attracts you to the sport?

What attracts me to my sport is the freedom that cycling allows me to have. I can go anywhere I want on two wheels. 

Favorite cycling discipline and why?

My favorite cycling discipline is cyclocross because it is unique and super challenging. 

Favourite Food?

My favorite food is rice and tofu. The strangest food related item I’ve thought of while riding is maybe just watermelon. It’s not strange but it’s cold and watery which is always appealing while out on a ride.

Lucky charm?

My lucky charm is a certain pair of socks that I always race in, and a bracelet that a friend made me. 

What do you always take on a trip?

The thing I always take on my traveling adventures is a little stuffed animal that is a monkey. 

You’re favourite Squirt Cycling Product?

My favorite product from Squirt is the Chain Lube, it’s very reliable and always has my bike running smoothly. 

Best tip for Cyclocross beginners?

My tip for cyclocross beginners is to just have fun. Don’t put any pressure on yourself and just explore the things you can do on a bike.

I like my coffee…I do not drink coffee but I love Iced Chai tea. 

I would love to go ride with…I would love to go ride with Ceylin Alvarado Del Carmen. 

The secret to happiness…The secret to happiness is making sure you have a balanced lifestyle.

 My greatest exhilaration... is flying down a technical, rocky, rooty MTB trail with my friends. 

I fear…losing my loved ones and I fear snakes. 

Passion… is cycling, but off the bike I love to go rock climbing. 

When I wake up…I give my Basset hound named Microphone a big hug.

I wish… the world was a more peaceful place.

I rage…when people are not nice to others. 

Rider Profile

Name: Kaya Musgrave 

Nickname: Kaya 

Age: 17

Birthdate: October 17, 2005

Birthplace: Littleton Colorado 

Height: 5'5"

Shoe size: US sizing a 9 and in EU a size 41

Instagram: @kayamusgrave