Kate is a talent on both the road and the track. As a former track world champion, 2008 was very focussed on the track racing for the Olympics. In 2009 she is focussing solely on the road.

She is an extremely reliable teammate and pushes amazing power, which makes her especially good in the flatter Dutch races. Her speed on the track also transfers to the road where she is good in the sprints.

In her career to date she has won multiple National titles on the track and the road as well as Word Cup events on the track.

I love the personal challenge of setting goals and stopping at nothing to achieve them. I love pushing my limits and finding that my achievements can be bigger than my dreams. I love being part of a team, and the collective motivation and passion for cycling.

• What are you doing when you're not cycling?

Hiking, Shopping, Lying on the beach with a good book.

• What do you like about riding for Team Columbia-HTC?

The passion and commitment for cycling and excellence shared by the riders and the staff.

• What is your greatest childhood memory on 2 wheels?

Riding before school with my sister and my Dad in the dark and cold.

• How did you get into cycling?

My Grandfather started our home cycling club, and my Father has always been involved as a rider and in administration.  My sister started before me and won a few dollars at a race and I thought that was super cool, better than chores!

• What has been your biggest challenge as a pro cyclist?

Consistency.  I have always travelled back and forth a lot so I wasn't missing home.  It is hard to be consistent with form and training with different seasons and not living in one place.. so I moved to Girona to try to change this one point. 

• Share a memorable pro career moment:

Winning my first World Championship medal with my long time coach and mentor from Sydney standing on the inside on the track where I could see him every lap.  I was young and inexperienced, but he believed in me and showed me anything was possible.

• What is your most embarrassing moment?

Falling off while trying to impress my older sister who was far stronger and faster than me.  I looked like an idiot and she only laughed rather than being impressed.

• What is the last song you listened to before you turned off your Ipod/Zune?

Normally for a time trial or a track race, I listen to Phantom of the Opera.  It calms me, and reminds me of my family who have always been my biggest support.

• What is the best book you have ever read?

Veronica Decides to Die (Paolo Cohelo) is a book I could re-read again and again, also Long Way Day (Ewen McGregor and Charley Boorman) as it makes me imagine and plan adventures.

• What is your favorite comfort food?

When I am in Australia, Caramello Koalas, but I cant get them anywhere else, so now I am in Spain I think a block of Parmesan and some Bresaola.

• What can someone do that really bothers you?

I hate insincerity in a person. When I meet someone who is telling me what they think I want to hear it makes me very annoyed!