Justin Williams, road cyclist (with Colin Strickland and Kate Courtney)

Justin Williams is a professional cyclist who has raced both domestically and internationally. He’s won multiple national titles, including both the road and criterium races at the Elite National Championships in 2018. As one of the small number of professional cyclists of color, Justin has chosen to prioritize inclusivity and representation in a sport that still lacks diversity. In 2019, he and his brother and fellow racer Cory Williams founded their own team, Legion of Los Angeles, which seeks to elevate the careers of cyclists from diverse backgrounds. Payson caught up with Justin on a recent trip to Los Angeles, where they were joined by racers and former Adventure Stache guests Kate Courtney (Ep. 5) and Colin Strickland (Ep. 31). The conversation was free flowing and off script, with Kate and Colin jumping in to ask Justin questions, and Justin turning the tables with some questions of his own. They talk about how all four of them have found their own unique space within the vast world of cycling, why representation matters, what Justin and his team are doing to increase female participation and equal pay, and when to say “hell no” to sponsorship deals. Justin also shares his first run-in with Colin’s particular set of racing skills, and Colin explains why his winning strategy has more to do with perspective and analysis than it does with fitness. Kate shares her thoughts on the dangers of equating amateur athletes with pros, and Payson, Justin, and Colin settle the great Aero Bars debate once and for all. 

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YouTube: Payson McElveen

Email: howdy@withpace.cc