1. When did you start racing and why?
I started racing in 2015. I am a competitive person and enjoy putting the training to effective use and seeing where I stack up against my peers. Racing puts goals around cycling something to shoot for.
2. What makes you love cycling so much?
Cycling is my release. After a stressful day at work, I love challenging my body and letting the mind rest. I love being able to see the country side and get away. I also love all the relationships I’ve met along the way. The cycling community is full of characters; some of which have become my best friends.
3. What different cycling disciplines do you participate? Race or recreation?
I love to race and do so as much as I can. I raced 35 times in 2018 across road and cyclocross. I also really enjoy going out on long rides with friends and exploring but most of my cycling is focused on racing and training.
4. What do you take in your jersey on long rides?
As little as possible! Cliff Bar, $20 and my phone. I’m even known to leave my phone unless I’m solo.
5. What piece of your cycling gear (clothing, wheels, anything) is your favorite?
There is nothing better than a kit that fits perfect. It makes a day in the saddle comfortable and allows you to enjoy the day.
6. Which pro cyclist will you cheer for in the pro peloton?
I’m not a fan of pro cycling, believe it or not. Besides highlights of Le Tour, I never watch cycling. I’ve never watched a televised race start to finish! But I’ve got to say I cheer for my country men. Seeing young Americans on the world’s stage succeed is exciting.
7. Which pro cyclist do you think your style is most like?
I’ll let my new teammates answer once they get to know me.
8. What do you eat after a long ride or race?
I’m a big sandwich fan and love adding an egg.
9. What is your favorite race memory, what race was it and why do you remember it?
My first road race win came as a Cat 3 at the Nelsonville Road Race. The course suited me with a 3-minute decisive climb. I had a teammate get on the front and pull to the base of the climb. He made it difficult enough that no one would attack early and delivered me in his draft to the base of the climb where I put in a massive attack and built a 20 second gap. I was caught by a chase a few miles later but continued to attack hard on every roller and eventually broke the group and soloed to a win.
The race meant a lot to me because we demonstrated strong teamwork and were able to use our strengths to finish well as a team. Even when I was caught, I continued to attack until the peloton couldn’t respond versus waiting and hoping for a good sprint.
10. What advice do you give to your team member or a new team member?
Learn your strengths and use them to put you in the best position to win. Equally important, learn the weaknesses of your competition and make it your goal to use that against them. When you attack, all or nothing.
11. What are your 2019 goals?
1-play a role in a teammate achieving one of their goals
2- top 10 GC at Green Mountain Stage Race
12. When you aren’t pedaling your bike what do you like to do?
I love making memories and traveling with my wife. Whether it’s a new part of the world or a new restaurant. I enjoy being outdoors and working with my hands. Working on my bike is almost as much as racing.