Team: Team Harrisburg

Category/Class: Expert 27-34

Place: 3rd

Email: kuhndog@redrose.net

What was your favorite Super Series race for 2001 and why?

Spring Mountain. I couldn't believe the race (and the series) went as well as they did. I had just promoted a major road race the day before and had ridden once the week prior (a 1.5 hour night mtb ride!). I just put my head down and went hoping to stay in the 10 for the day. Only Roger caught me and I stayed out for second so my performance was much better than expected. Plus it was an enjoyable course with a bit of everything that makes mountain bike racing fun and it suited my riding style well. Then at the Series Awards I was expecting to be 5th or 4th and was floored when called up for 3rd (then I proceeded to find I need a course in remedial microphone usage).

Pretend you are coaching your closest competitor........ what would you tell them to do differently in 2002 in order to beat you?

Now that's an interesting question. Basically, what's my weakness? My success this year came from my road racing background and fitness, not from my handling skills in tight twist DE and MD courses (ask Johnny). I'd say look to attack me in the tight stuff - though I promise I'll be working on that this winter.

What is it about mtb racing (BESIDES WINNING) that is MOST fun for you?

What month do you plan on coming into fitness for the 2002 season?

I've hit decent shape in Mar-Apr several years running, but that seems to throw me off in midsummer so perhaps a bit later this time around - let's say late Apr. early May. I'll let you know. 'Course maybe you'll find out on your own.

What month do you start your pre-season training?

This year I start Nov 12 - one week from today, the day after I promote the Sutliff Saturn Rockville Bridge Cyclocross Race in Marysville, PA (had to fit that plug in here somewhere).

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

A flexible job helps a lot. Otherwise its knowing how to dress and having the right clothes for the conditions, heading where its warm when I can (Arizona is awesome in January). Knowing that Kris is commuting to work in subfreezing temperatures and I don't want her getting faster than me and knowing that when I'm riding and its tough conditions a lot of other riders are taking the day off helps keep me going too.

What are your goals for the 2002 season?

I'm racing Semi-Pro/Pro next year and we'll see how it goes. With very little and very inconsistent training 2001 went pretty well. I plan to be competitive in the Pro/S.P. class. I also plan to hit a few Norba Nationals and see if I can hit S.P. Norba status by year's end. They'll be some road racing too.

If there was just ONE thing that you would like to see improved for next year (2002) - what would it be?

I think one class of pro/sp/exp in both the men's and women's fields competing for the cash awards with awards going 15-20 deep so there is less conflict concerning who was really faster than whom and whose class was the largest. Another EX category awarding only prizes might be worthwhile for those not interested in racing the cash category. Yea and I know you said ONE, but I think it'd be cool to have a small team overall award so the teams of 8-10 or less have something to shoot for too.