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OFF SEASON INTERVIEW
FEBRUARY 2001 |
City: Baldwin
State/Province: MD
Country: USA
Team: Trek/VW East Coast
What do you do for cross training? (not cyclocross, but off the bike exercise)?
A bit of swimming, hiking, and trail running in the winter. Lots of stretching all year round. Simple strength exercises all year round (push ups, ab exercises, squats and lunges with light dumbbells, etc)
Do you take time off the bike in the winter?
I'm not really known for taking much time off! I get bored and grumpy if I don't ride. My first 2 off seasons, I only took a few days off the bike. I enjoy long easy mountain bike epic rides in the winter. This off season I was forced to take October and November completely off the bike because of an overuse injury with my hip and knee.
How do you avoid weight gain in the winter?
I stay active and cut down on calories somewhat. I don't really count, but I probably consume 3500 calories a day on average when I'm training and racing, and maybe a bit below 3000 in the off season. I usually only gain 4 or 5 pounds in the winter, but with 2 months off this off season, I gained about 7 pounds. They are already gone now though!
What month do you plan on coming into fitness for the 2001 season?
Usually I am close to my top fitness by the end of March for Sea Otter. This season, I hope to hit a peak for the Norba Nationals starting in June.
What month do you start your pre-season training?
This year I started gradually in December with 2 to 3 hour rides at easy or moderate intensity, then picked it up for real in January, 3 to 5 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week.
How do you deal with riding in the winter conditions (cold, snow, ice, lack of daylight)?
I ride on the trails if its below freezing. You can stay warm if you keep moving on a mtbike at temperatures down to the single digits. My mtbike is heavier in the winter, with big heavy tires for a cushy, flat free ride, and I carry a lot of tools and clothing so the extra effort of lugging the stuff around keeps me warm! On the road bike, it's much colder, especially if it's windy. Keeping warmth at the hands, feet, and head is key. I wear booties whilst road riding below about 50 degrees, and whilst mtbiking below 40 degrees. Good gloves will keep your hands warm but not sweaty, and a skull cap or balaclava will fit comfortably under a helmet to retain heat at your head (which helps keep your whole body warm). Luckily, I can ride during the day, so daylight is not an issue.
What are your goals for the 2001 season?
#1 Have fun, and be healthy.
Performance Goals: -Top 10 at a Norba National
Repeat as Solo 24 Hr World Champion
Represent Great Britain at the MTB Worlds at Vail, Colorado.
Is the "pro mountain bike racer" lifestyle as much fun as you thought it would be?
Definitely. I love to ride my bike, travel, and have some freedom to set my own schedule (which I get at least some of the time).