Meet Jules and Lauren: Our Latest CX athletes.

My name is Jules van Kempen, and as the name might suggest, I am a Dutch American. I grew up in Chapel Hill, NC, and have been riding since I was very young. I grew up on a bike; it’s somewhat in my nature to be on wheels given my DNA. I didn’t consider racing, though, until I had an ankle injury that pushed me out of soccer. I fell in love with racing around 14 and a few years later I found myself on an elite team based in Colorado. Since then, I’ve been on a couple elite teams, but will be racing this season privateer-style with my girlfriend, Lauren.

What people should know about Jules, from Lauren: knowledgeable about equipment; quick runner on-course; more to him than meets the eye.

My name is Lauren Zoerner, and I grew up racing in Colorado. When I was young, what fueled me was the desire to be as good as my older sister like any younger sibling. As I got a little bit older though, my passion and sense of community in cyclocross really started to grow. As a U23, I won two consecutive Pan-American titles; that feeling is definitely one I seek to find again. But the real reason I come back every year? The incredible people that are all a part of this racing community.

What people should know about Lauren, from Jules: big jokester; is probably vlogging; loves to meet new friends.

We love this sport because it is filled with adventure. Each lap can be drastically different from the last, and each venue brings its own challenges as well. No race is the same, and that makes cross what it is.

We started dating back on that team in Colorado, and have since moved back to Jules’s hometown in North Carolina to be closer to the UCI circuit on the East Coast.

When we aren’t training or racing, we spend a fair amount of time working and maintaining bikes, yes, but we each have a few other hobbies. Jules is a big fan of playing golf and watching basketball and football. I enjoy a good book, board games, cheering on my friends, and sightseeing when we travel. Jules has also gotten me into SCUBA diving (I’m scared of deep water). This last one isn’t exactly a hobby, but it really doesn’t take much of an excuse to get either of us to go to a coffee shop.

Our season schedule will involve a lot of travel! We will go as a couple to the USCX, Kings CX, Pan-American Championships, NCGP, National Championships, and are planning to hit it at multiple World Cups in Europe this winter! We are stoked to be a part of the HUNT hype squad this year, and we would love to say hi if you’re also at these events, just give us a holler! (Promise, we don’t bite).

Happy riding, Lauren & Jules