Age: 29
Hometown: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Education: MS Earth and Space Science. University of Washington
Family / Household: Single
Racing Category: 3
Years Racing: 4+
Employment/Work/Career:
Research Scientist at Ecotope Inc. I work on improving energy use in buildings through research, modeling and consulting.
What bikes are you currently riding?:
Plural is good. I currently ride four. My race bike is an aluminum/carbon Merckx which gets outfitted with carbon fiber tubular wheels for races. I ride time trials on a Cervelo P2SL. During the winter, I ride my rain bike – basically something built up out of older parts on the cheap. It’s outfitted with full, wrap around fenders and inexpensive components which take a serious beating with all the road grime out there. My fourth bike is an off-brand Fantom Cross which I bought last year to dabble in cyclocross races.
Year started cycling?: 1997
How did you get into cycling?:
I’ve always ridden my bike but I really got into cycling with another friend about 1997. We started riding longer and faster and in a few years were doing double centuries. After that, I joined a local team and got into racing.
What does your yearly cycling schedule look like? Miles per week/year?:
As an avid road racer, my training season begins sometime around Thanksgiving. I focus on training my aerobic capacity through December, January, and February. Road racing starts in March and last all the way through August. I typically race every weekend through the end of May and then tail off racing a bit as the summer progresses. In the fall, I dabble in cyclocross as a fun way to wind down my racing year.
In previous years, when I have been focusing on long distance races, I have ridden about 10,000 miles year. More recently, the mileage has dropped to something around 6,000 with an increased focus on speed and strength work.
Members of team Avanti warm up for the 2007 state team time trial championships. From left to right, Randy Bott, Amy Maas, Jay Maas, Ben, & Olivier Humbert.
Tell us about some of your cycling career highlights:
*Fireweed 400 2005: 1st pace 2 person relay + course record holder
*Race Across Oregon 2006: 1st place 2 person relay
Biggest successes this year:
*WA State Road Race: 1st place.
*Solvang Double Century 2008: 1st place.
*I am Avanti Team President, and currently in the process of transitioning the team to a new title sponsor, Blue Rooster.
As the 2008 road season winds down, what’s on your radar for 2009? Will your successes in 2008 lead to an upgrade in 2009? If so, what are your thoughts about how that transition will go for you?
At the close of this season, I’m leading our team as we transition to a new title sponsor, Blue Rooster. Avanti Racing has had its most successful road racing season in recent memory. We aim to add to it next season and expand our road and track racing rosters at the higher levels.
Personally, I collected almost enough points to upgrade to Category 2 this season. I plan to add to my points tally early on next season and upgrade then, hopefully before the end of March.
What other sports do you do? Do you cross train or mix things up during the year?
I enjoy backpacking in the late summer and fall. In the winter, I also alternate some of my workouts with Nordic skiing.
Do you have any advice for folks getting into cycling or for cyclists thinking about racing?:
Grab a buddy who is into cycling and just start riding together. Motivate each other to ride and to ride harder. If you’re interested in racing, definitely look up a local team. There are plenty in the area. Find one you like and one that will support you and help you grow.
What keeps you excited about cycling?
Endorphins, my teammates and friends.
What obstacles get in the way of cycling?
Time management is one of a cyclist’s largest challenges. To be a competitive racer, a significant amount of time must be spent on the bike every week. 10, 15, and sometimes 20 hrs. This doesn’t even count the time spent getting ready, cleaning up after a muddy, winter ride or maintaining one’s equipment.
The Velocity Blog’s “Rider Profiles” highlight the accomplishments of some of our amazing local cycling athletes, and provides insight into their lives that may inspire us all.
