Carden Bozeman grew up chasing the outdoors. His parents filled his childhood with hiking, biking, and just about any adventure they could find, and somewhere along the way the bike stuck. He lined up for his very first NICA race in sixth grade, hugged the tape from the back row of 55 kids, and somehow came around the entire pack before the trail even hit the woods. He won that day. He has been chasing the feeling ever since.

Now in his first UCI season, the Northern Kentucky rider is learning what it takes to race off-road at the next level, falling deeper in love with the ride, and figuring out exactly where he wants the bike to take him. He is also a singer-songwriter, a lawn-mowing entrepreneur, and a deeply committed Chipotle customer. (More on that later.)

We caught up with Carden to talk racing, faith, frosted flakes, and what is next for the kid from Northern Kentucky.

Let's go back to the beginning. What got you into cycling, and when did you realize you wanted to race?

My parents raised me as a kid who loved the outdoors. They took me on so many trips—hiking, biking, and any other outdoor adventure we could get into. I started racing sometime in 6th grade, and I can vividly remember my first race. I was new to NICA and somehow got placed in the back row of about 55 kids. The gun went off, I hugged the tape, and somehow got around the whole pack before we even entered the woods. I won that race, and I have been in love with racing ever since—not just for the wins, but the lessons, the adrenaline, and most of all, the pain.

Cyclocross and mountain biking are two pretty different flavors of pain. What drew you to the off-road side of the sport?

Being outdoors was something that really drew me, as well as the thrill that comes from the more adrenaline-boosting side of things. I like the punchiness of the short climbs and sprints in those races, and my body type suits that well.

Walk us through your 2025 Kentucky NICA season. What is the moment that is going to stick with you forever?

The second-to-last race, my top competitor and I were wheel to wheel the whole race. With one lap to go I attacked, and although I didn't fully shake things up physically, there was a mental component to that attack that I won. That showed me how much power I have to give, and a new race strategy that involves attacking early and often.

Race-day fuel is half the battle. What does the night before a big race look like for you?

Chipotle. Period. But seriously, busy travel days pre-race require proper hydration and eating, which means salts and lots of water bottles, plus lots of carbs (like a disgusting amount), usually a Chipotle dinner and frosted flakes or pancakes for breakfast. Eating three hours before the race, activation with bands, warm-up, start-line pedal and gear position, Wahoo start, short prayer, quick drink of water, and GO!

Who is in your corner? Talk to us about the people pushing you forward, and what keeps you motivated when things get hard.

My family, for one, is my biggest support crew, financially and mentally, and they are the ones who show up again and again to every race and make this possible for me. My coach, Drew Dillman, is so influential for me, not only because he trains me for competition but also because he wants to see my personal life and soul grow just as much as my biking abilities. And my whole cycling community, from each person I encounter at a local race, to those I race NICA with, to the people I see ripping at Devou and the crazy guys climbing up the creek at Tower. These are the people I race for, because I want to make them, my family, and everyone rooting for me proud. I need to pay them back in a way for all the love they've given me.

Northern Kentucky has some underrated terrain. What is your favorite local loop, and what makes it special?

When doing road training rides, I stick mainly to the flat bike trail or the hilly county roads out on Route 8 in Campbell County—all of which are accessible from my house. But when the trails are dry, I will ride to one of the many different MTB parks our region offers—truly a blessing—like Devou, EI, Tower, or even some over in Cincy.

We have called you "chill beyond your years." What is actually going through your head on the start line?

My start-line disposition comes from knowing that each race will end with a positive—either a lesson learned, a win to take home, or even an injury or accident, which although many see as a catastrophic outcome, I trust that there is a reason behind everything. So I put out all my effort, go 100%, and trust God with the result. The effort is up to me, the result is not.

When you're not on the bike, what does the off-season look like? Any hobbies or guilty pleasures that keep you sane?

I'm a big music guy. I played piano while being homeschooled my whole childhood, got into guitar and singing a few years ago, and within the last year or two I've started writing songs. I actually have my first gig at the Fort Thomas Coffee Shop on July 24, 2026 from 7 to 9, so pull up! I also love to play basketball, throw frisbee, make fires, and be in the woods. And I cut grass to make my money (believe it or not, I'm not quite as good as the other guys y'all sponsor, so I have to make some gas and Chipotle money), which keeps me very busy throughout the week since I have about 12 yards to maintain.

Who's a cyclist, pro or otherwise, you'd love to grab coffee with?

Matt Beers has always been a role model of mine. We are both larger-than-average cyclists, and he's an inspiration to me that you can still kick-a*s and be a bigger guy. Alexey Vermeulen is someone I've gotten to know a little bit and would love to get to know better, to understand his love of the game and the joy he seems to radiate. Keegan would be awesome to meet too because, you know, he's kinda the biggest a*s-kicker. I'd also love to do a skills session with Tom Pidcock at some point, haha.

Be honest, who was at the top of your Spotify Wrapped last year?

Believe it or not, I like to be a little different from the norm (and I also don't like ads or paying for premium), so I listen to music on Musi. Not quite pirated music, but I don't ask any questions. My top artists were probably Sam Barber, Dylan Gossett, Sons of Habit, Joe Jordan, Red Clay Strays, and Tyler Childers.

What does the 2026 season look like for you? Any big goals or races circled on the calendar?

This race season has been one of lots of learning and new experiences. As my first UCI season, it has been challenging, but I'm looking forward to the work and discipline that will shoot me bigger and better next year. I'm also really investing time and energy into gaining as much love for the ride as possible—to be sure that what I'm doing is what I WANT to do, and not what I might feel pressured into.

Ten years from now, where do you hope the bike has taken you?

I am and have been exploring the different mountain bike disciplines, and although no one on this earth can determine where I'll be in 10 years, I hope I stick around on the off-road side of things and go toward either endurance or XC style racing. This year has also helped me see what it takes to compete in the different disciplines, which helps further that decision.

Last one. Which ID do you wear, and what's engraved on it?

I really like the Nylon Loop ID, although I have a huge collection of lots of different ones. I like the black for everyday life, but I typically wear the pink ones for races, because they match my super dope pink jersey. Engraved on it is my name, my mom and dad's numbers, the virtues I strive to live my life by, Humility, Gratitude, Love, Discipline, Joy, and Patience, and 2 Timothy 4:7, which are the words I hope to be able to say after every race and challenge and at the end of my life: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.