1. When did you start racing and why?
I started racing bikes in 2005. Don’t tell anyone, but I first found cycling through triathlons and quickly found that I had a knack for the cycling portion. Before I knew it I had raced my bike across the country twice (RAAM 8 man – 2011, RAAM 4 man – 2013) and when I won my first Cat 5 crit race in 2013 in Youngstown I was hooked on the sport of cycling.
2. What makes you love cycling so much?
I love the fact that it’s not always the strongest rider that wins the race.
3. What different cycling disciplines do you participate? Race or recreation?
Criterium racing is what I prefer at this time. I occasionally partake in longer road races. I have raced cyclocross over the past 6 years, but in 2018 I decided to take a break from CX. I’m sure I’ll be back to racing CX at some point in the near future.
4. What do you take in your jersey on long rides?
My custom made essentials kit pack (spare tube, tire lever, mini pump, multi tool, credit card, phone), 2 packs of Clif Bar Shot Bloks with caffeine, Infinit custom blend drink mix with extra sodium and caffeine, and gilet.
5. What piece of your cycling gear (clothing, wheels, anything) is your favorite?
My custom pocket organizer pack designed and made by Larry Hughes – it keeps a spare tube, tire lever, mini pump, multi-too, credit card and my phone all in one small zipper pack and fits in my jersey pocket keeping the saddle free of the hideous scrotum sack that others choose to use.
6. Which pro cyclist will you cheer for in the pro peloton?
Peter Sagan
7. Which pro cyclist do you think your style is most like?
I feel I most resemble GVA (Greg Van Avermaet)
8. What do you eat after a long ride or race?
Anything ginger
9. What is your favorite race memory, what race was it and why do you remember it?
My favorite memory is racing through Monument Valley National Park during RAAM 2011 and watching the glow of the sun rise from behind the buttes.
10. What advice do you give to your team member or a new team member?
The key to gaining performance is knowing when to train hard and when to train easy.
11. What are your 2019 goals?
Make sure the Headwind Cat2 squad is competitive with the best elite cycling teams in the Midwest.
12. When you aren’t pedaling your bike what do you like to do?
SUP and kayaking with my wife, camping, checking out the best food to eat in Columbus.