1. When did you start racing and why?
I will start my first racing season in the spring of 2017. I have been riding a road bike for several years and am just now getting into racing. In 2016, I finished a career on the US National Rowing Team so training and competing at a high level are what I live for. I am hoping that the power and aerobic conditioning I developed from rowing will transfer nicely to cycling and I can be a competitive bike racer.
2. What makes you love cycling so much?
I love cycling for many reasons. Firstly, it is a lot of fun to get out and see new places I wouldn’t otherwise. There is also something very peaceful about riding down a long quiet road and taking time to slow everything down and forget the daily stresses. Racing bikes will also be a great outlet for my competitiveness.
3. What different cycling disciplines do you participate? Race or recreation?
I plan on focusing most of my effort on racing road bikes. I would have enjoyed getting into cyclocross this winter but I was late to the game and without the necessary equipment
4. What do you take in your jersey on long rides?
On long rides I take a few bars, gels, and chews and maybe a banana in one jersey pocket. In another, I take my phone, some cash, and a pair of headphones for if I need extra help zoning out. Obviously, listening to music while riding can be more dangerous so only put in one ear and keep the volume under control. In my last pocket I leave room for some small clothing items that I may need to put on or take off as I go. I keep a saddle bag stocked with my tools and tubes.
5. What piece of your cycling gear (clothing, wheels, anything) is your favorite?
My favorite cycling clothing item is definitely a vest. It keeps my core protected and prevents me from overheating on grueling training rides. I will be getting a power meter soon which I am sure I will love using to track progress and improve fitness.
6. Which pro cyclist will you cheer for in the pro peloton?
There are a few pros that I enjoy following. Peter Sagan, no doubt one of the best riders anywhere, always seems to be having tons of fun on the bike while at the same time consistently winning big races which is great to see. I also tend to like watching the climbers, like Alberto Contador or Esteban Chaves, maybe because I envy their ability to race up mountains with some of the world’s most breathtaking views that I would love to visit sometime in the future.
7. Which pro cyclist do you think your style is most like?
I am not exactly sure what type of racing I will enjoy the most or even have the most success with so this is a tough question. I would love it if I found my skill set to be similar to that of Fabian Cancellara.
8. What do you eat after a long ride or race?
I usually consume a recovery specific drink mix right after returning from a tough ride to get in the necessary carbohydrates and proteins and make sure I maximize my returns from the work. I also really enjoy eating a big turkey sandwich maybe an hour after I am done.
9. What is your favorite race memory, what race was it and why do you remember it?
I don’t have any race memories yet but I hope within a year I will have a bunch with some great results and great teammates.
10. What advice do you give to your team member or a new team member?
Being one of the newest team members I don’t have advice to give yet, but I would love to receive as much as I can to set me on the right path starting out.
11. What are your 2017 goals?
My goals for 2017 on the road are to learn as much as I can about racing, compete at the highest level that I can, and heck, even try to win a race. Off of the road, I’d like to get as involved in the local cycling community as I can and meet new people with the similar passion. I hope to represent our sponsors to the best of my abilities as well.
12. When you aren’t pedaling your bike what do you like to do?
When I am not riding, I can be found working at the Roll Bike shop on Polaris, watching the Buckeyes, and spending time with my friends and family.