Team: CEDAR BIKE

Category/Class: Beginner / Senior II

Place: 3rd place overall

Email: xcmandan@aol.com

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

The White Haven Challenge By far was the most exciting race for me. Lots of great technical stuff. Good climbs. The start was nice, everyone got into a line and started to draft and get into a cumffy pace. I was in about 6th place until we hit the paved road. I got smoked by the roadies there but that was all right they can burn their energy but once I got to the single track I smoked them and took first place for most of the race. It came down to the big straight a way at the end. It was Chris Yanavich and myself. We rode next to each other not talking but waiting for the other to jump up and sprint. When he started I started and vice-versa. Chris and I entered the gates and crashed on top of each other. He got me by 1 second. What a finish!!! even though I didn't win it was the most exciting race for me. I accomplished all this coming off not riding for almost 3 weeks and a bad knee injury that sent me to the hospital from the delano race which I took 1st place by 15min. It was a 22 mile race.

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

Well I have to say that all the riders in my class are good but I had the most fun racing against James Wileczek. He once said to me "where do you get all you energy from". Well for all the racers out there. You have to dig deep inside yourselves to beat me. Show me that you have the Heart and the Will to beat me. If you don't have that then you are just another rock or log for me to roll over. I won't even notice you. It's not all brute strength out there. It's mental toughness too. You have to want to pass me and all the other riders too. You haven't showed me the determination to win. I have beaten you and crushed your dreams, breaking you down turn by turn hill by hill. You can't beat me. My mind and leg strength are too much for you to handle. If you ever pass me don't look back because I'm coming to get you and I know you are scared. Use this in the off season to get stronger. Train hard because I'll be training harder.

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

The competition and friendships you make with our fellow riders. Looking for that one chance to pass on the single track. Climbing the unclimbable hill. Doing the gnarlyest downhill without getting off. The exhaustion at the end when you finally cross the finish line no matter what your position.

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

February

What month do you start your pre-season training?

Already started

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

Lots of hours on the trainer. Also plenty of time in the gym doing strength training. If there is a nice enough day during the winter to ride outside then I will do it.

What are your goals for the 2002 season?

Well since I have to move up to Sport class I will have to step up my training. But my goals remain the same. To be the best I can and finish in an at least the top 5 for every race and take the yellow jersey.

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

The prizes!!!!!!!!!! No offense but I have been to mom and pop races that have had better prizes. Lets step it up for next year but not at the expense of the rides entry fee going up. For example The Fell Mt. Challenge was the best run race this year and the best course and the $$$$$$$$CHEAPEST$$$$$$$$ with the best prizes, FREE food and drink all you can have FREE tee-shirts, TV coverage and also the course was marked perfectly. Now use that race as a bench mark for 2002.