Team: Shirk's

Category/Class: Expert Senior 2

Place: 2nd

Email: rforcino@hotmail.com

What was your favorite Super Series race for 2001 and why?

I enjoyed Carbondale because the course was what I expect a mountain bike race course to be. It had climbs, rocks and twisty single track.

Pretend you are coaching your closest competitor........ what would you tell them to do differently in 2002 in order to beat you?

Everyone has their own particular training plan for one reason or another and we all know how to get in shape. When it comes to beating another rider I think you need to be able to or desire to ride in more pain then anyone else. If you know that you have given it your all, you cannot lose.

What is it about mtb racing (BESIDES WINNING) that is MOST fun for you?

One of the most rewarding aspects of mountain bike racing happens when I am out on the course going full throttle with my heart pounding and my legs on the verge of complete exhaustion. As am pouring my all into the race, a fellow racer is able to pull away. This helps me keep things in focus. There is no more real experience then trying as hard as you can and getting beat. It makes you feel human, it makes you feel vulnerable, and it keeps you humble.

What month do you plan on coming into fitness for the 2002 season?

I try to stay fit year round. I need to work on my technical skills and race planning.

What month do you start your pre-season training?

I am not sure if I am doing the best thing for my performance, but I train year round.

How do you deal with riding in the winter conditions (cold, snow, ice, lack of daylight)?

I use lights, warm clothes and some friends that are crazy enough to go with me. To Martin, Rob, Doug, Paul, Brent, Tom, Don, Don, Jim, Jeff, Steve and the other Dtown riders, Thanks guys. No trainer; I need the real thing.

What are your goals for the 2002 season?

Be the best that I can be with the resources that I have.

If there was just ONE thing that you would like to see improved for next year (2002) - what would it be?

I feel bad for saying this, but the results and awards need to be more organized at the races. Some races really took a long time to post results and give awards. I must say that I have never run a race, but I have been to more races then the average race organizer and I can say that things can be simplified. Just do what Dan Comber does at his races. Use a tear off tag and when the rider crosses the line staple their tag onto a board in the proper category and in the proper place. Put the first place rider in each category at the top and the others underneath in the correct order. Results are immediate. Either do that or mail out the prizes. We all lead extremely busy lives and need to get back to business ASAP after the race.