It always seems impossible until it's done: Capt. Spring Clegg

Published Jan. 30, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Adam Grant
12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, Ariz -- Capt. Spring Clegg, from the 612th Theater Operations Group, has been selected as a member of the U.S. Military Endurance Sports Elite Cycling team to represent the Armed Forces during the Team Tucson Camp here March 9-16.

The U.S. Military Endurance Sports Program is a privately funded 501(c) 3 non-profit organization supporting recreational and competitive endurance athletic activities for current and Veteran members of the United States Armed Forces.

Though hundreds of members applied for a position on the team Clegg, the only female, was one of the seven members selected. The team is comprised of both road and mountain bikers with a perquisite of having either a CAT 1or 2 license.

Clegg began cycling when she received her first bike 15-years ago, since then has worked her way up in the ranks and earned the title of a Professional Mountain Biker.

"It's taken a lot of work to get me here but I think the main things that have gotten me to where I am now are practice, endurance, and not giving up," said Clegg.

Clegg has competed in more than 150 races in Utah, New Mexico, California, Hawaii, Idaho, and Arizona.

"I competed in a 24-hour National Championship Mountain Bike race in Moab, Utah where I placed third in the nation which was an amazing feat. When I look back at that race it taught me a lot about myself. The most important thing I learned is that persistence is the key."

Clegg has also competed in many local races as well.

"I participated in the El Tour de Tucson, which is a 107-mile race with thousands of cyclists participating where I placed second in the female category," added Clegg.

After already having numerous accomplishments under her belt, Clegg's competitive nature led to her wanting to achieve more, wanting to be one of the best of the best...but she had a few doubts.

"I didn't think I could make it after having been away from my bike for a year while deployed to Afghanistan, but I thought I should at least give it a try seeing that I had made the team once before," said Clegg.

After being selected Clegg knew that she was going to have to take her training to the next level to represent the men and women of the Armed Forces.

"Training is very important for this kind of thing; I typically ride for at least 15-hours per week which equates to about 200-miles while also participating in cross fit to keep up with my muscular endurance" said Clegg.

Having achieved so many accomplishments so far the humbled mountain biker says there are a lot of individuals who have assisted her in accomplishing her goals.

"I'm very fortunate to be a part of an excellent team who are willing to sacrifice for me so that I'm able to train daily to ensure that I'm ultimately able to represent the military in a positive perspective," said Clegg.

After participating with the U.S. Military Endurance Sports Elite Cycling team, Clegg says one of her ultimate goals is to participate and finish the Leadville Trail 100 which is an ultra marathon held annually on trails and dirt roads near Leadville, Colorado, through the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

"My upcoming races are going to be very hard but my completive nature and my will to win will get me across the finish line," said Clegg.

Editor's note: This is part one of a series on athletes in 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern).