mountainbikeRACER.com

ABOUT THIS SITE ADVERTISE

HOME

PAST NEWS

RACER PROFILES

What do you do for cross training? (not cyclocross, but off the bike exercise)?

I do a lot of running in the winter along with some weight training, XC skiing, and swimming. This season I haven't gotten into a pool or a weight room, but I have been running and skiing.

I don't schedule any time off the bike in the winter. I usually am forced off because of the weather, sickness, or injuries so I just reduce the amount of time I spend riding. I do schedule a time of recovery right after the season and only ride for fun, no training.

I wish I knew! I think everyone including myself gains weight in the winter. It is going to happen because of reduced training time and other commitments. I train in the evenings after work so lack of sunlight and cold winter temperatures really cut into my bike time. I try to increase my training frequency to 7 days a week, and even do some 2 a day workouts to help stay fit. Endurance running combined with daily workouts keep my metabolism pretty high. I tend to relax my diet and have things I usually wouldn't during the season, but that is why it is the off season. When it is time to get back to race weight I will increase my endurance training and adjust my diet appropriately.

I will start racing in Mid-March, but won't be in top form until Mid-June. I will use the spring as a building period to test my race fitness and try some new things.

It all depends on when my first goal race is going to be. The optimum would be about 22 weeks before my first big competition, but in the real world I need about 14-15 weeks. This season it is February, but some times as early as December.

How do you deal with riding in the winter conditions (cold, snow, ice, lack of daylight)?

I am a NASDAQ securities trader so I don't get to train in the daytime during the week. I usually start training at 6pm and will ride outside on the roads at night with lights if the weather permits. This winter has been particularly harsh so I have spent most of my time inside on a trainer. I reduce my training volume and work on things that will better my performances later in the season. If there is good snow coverage I will go out XC skiing, but mostly I am forced inside. I also resort to riding the MTB on the road to cut down on wind chill and deal with varying road conditions. Technical clothing and layering make the cold bearable, but I like it hot and try to think of all the warm days to come.

I will be focusing on the XTERRA regional series, the Norba NCS finals, and the XTERRA World championships. I have some regional races I want to do well in, but my season is built on these races.

Is the "pro mountain bike racer" lifestyle as much fun as you thought it would be?

I have been racing seriously since 1995, and I have seen a lot of changes in mountain bike racing. I have raced for regional teams and factory teams, but have always worked full time. I used to think I would be racing full time, but those opportunities seem to be few and far between. The life of a sponsored athlete is a lot more demanding than most people think it is. Most Pros are making huge sacrifices in their lives to do what they love and get little in return. A pro contract usually consists of a bike, clothing, and, if you are lucky, some help with your traveling expenses and entry fees. It is not a sport that is full of money and opportunity; mountain bike pros are driven by passion. The long training hours and constant monitoring of your health and fitness can be demanding, but overall it is a lot of fun. I have traveled all over the US and to Canada racing bikes, and it has been great. Some of my good friends are teammates and competitors that I never would have had without the racing. Sometimes the road to a goal is almost as good as the goal itself. In my case I am just enjoying the ride. If I never make it to the "big show" I sure have had fun trying!