Redlands, CA -- The tryouts for the U.S. Women's Cycling Team takes place in Redlands, California, starting today (Jun. 17) and it's a definite turnaround for one hopeful.

Dotsie Cowden is fighting for a place on the team but it's nothing compared to some of her other challenges -- she had an eating disorder at age 16 and a cocaine problem five years ago.

But the former model has traded all that for cycling, which she terms "a good addiction." As a result of what she's been through, she says she'll feel victorious no matter what happens this weekend "...unlike the kids who've been training since they were five."

Cowden doesn't have any special pre-ride ritual but admits Eminem's "8 Mile" soundtrack is especially good for warming up before a race.

In fact, if Cowden does make the cycling team, she hopes that the raunchy rapper will visit her at the Olympic games and personally sing "Lose Yourself" to her before her events.

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