1. When did you start racing and why?
I started racing in 2016 for my local shop. One of the guys in the group ride (Nate Forshey) persuaded me to help him in the last race of the year, West Virginia State Road Race Championship, in 2015. So, in 2016 I really started racing and competing and Nate was the reason why.
2. What makes you love cycling so much?
What is there not to love about cycling? It is really the only sport where you can make it as easy or as hard as you want at any given time. The adrenaline on race day and the ability to escape with unlimited freedom at any given moment are the true reasons I love cycling.
3. What different cycling disciplines do you participate? Race or recreation?
My main focus is criterium racing, but I race all disciplines of road.
4. What do you take in your jersey on long rides?
Depending how I feel that day typically depends on what you will find in my jersey. A few of the thing that are always with me are my Honey Stinger chews, Nuun hydration tablets, and my Speedsleev pouch for my money, phone, and tools.
5. What piece of your cycling gear (clothing, wheels, anything) is your favorite?
My favorite piece of cycling gear is a close battle between my Fizik Volta saddle and my Quarq power meter because those two items are used on every ride.
6. Which pro cyclist will you cheer for in the pro peloton?
Mark Cavendish with all those stage wins in his career!!! When he is healthy the tour seems to be more animated in the final meters on the sprint stages.
7. Which pro cyclist do you think your style is most like?
Peter Sagan if I am answering…Hard to tell what others may think.
8. What do you eat after a long ride or race?
Nothing beats eating homemade pepperoni rolls with hot pepper cheese and marinara sauce along with a bowl of ice cream with tropical fruit on top.
9. What is your favorite race memory, what race was it and why do you remember it?
I have quite a few race memories. The 2018 West Virginia State Time Trial Championship in Barboursville, West Virginia stands out the most. It was my favorite race memory because I won my first Category 1/2/3 race, my 5th West Virginia State Championship in a three-year time span, and it gave me a state title in all three road disciplines for my career.
10. What advice do you give to your team member or a new team member?
Have faith, be positive, have fun training, and go all out on race day.
11. What are your 2019 goals?
- Help a teammate win an Ohio State Championship
- Win a 6th West Virginia State Championship (if available)
- Help the team in critical race situations
12. When you aren’t pedaling your bike what do you like to do?
Enjoy my bike coasting??? You will find me shopping, traveling, looking for a new restaurant, or spending time with family and friends when I am not on the bike.