How did you get into cycling and how was your last amateur year?
I got into cycling through my best friend's family. I thought road bikes looked really cool and I got one for $150 on ebay, ripped around in my jeans for a while and then started racing for Team Swift, a local Santa Rosa JR team. My last year as an amateur was great, it was mostly all with the JR. National Team. We had a lot of success that year, and I felt grateful to have such and extensive schedule with them.
How important do you think development teams are in shaping the careers of future professional riders?
Good riders will alway be good, but where I find development teams come into play is in shaping their minds, attitude, work ethic, and overall team vibe. I have been brought up in the sport by Axel Merckx for four years. He has taught me to be humble, work my ass off, be willing to sacrifice myself for the good of the team, and how to have some good laughs at the dinner table with the boys. When I am done with this program I believe I will be ready, as a whole, for the next level… not just a strong rider.
What is it like riding for a development team, and how does the atmosphere and chemistry of the team change, knowing that basically the more success a rider brings the team, the more likely they are to leave it?
It is amazing because we are all in very similar spots in our lives and growing up. We can relate to each other more so than most other teams with such a broad age range. None of my teammates are married with kids, or drive a Porsche. The atmosphere within the team is only good when a rider has success, which means he will probably be moving on. It solidifies what the team is trying to accomplish, moving rides to the World Tour. Its development.
Is the pressure of riding for a development team and knowing you only have 2-3 years to show results or risk never moving up the division, ever make you feel less obliged to work for a team-mate or have you seen anyone not follow orders and go for a chance alone.
It is an interesting dynamic, and I do feel the pressure now that I'm in my last year. I have spent the last three years barring myself for other teammates getting bottles and riding in the wind, and countless of those guys are in the World Tour now. I have never felt less obligated, nor have I ever regretted all the sacrifices because that is what has made me the person and rider I am today. I want to live a life in this sport in an unselfish and non ego driven manner. I have gotten some good results this year, opportunities do come.
Many American riders in cycling today can say Lance Armstrong had an influence on their career as a cyclist. What (if any) influences did he have on you?
Everything aside, he worked hard, really hard.
Where do you believe the United States is heading in terms of cycling?
Only up. Talansky just won the freaking Dauphine. I don't have enough fingers on my hands to count the number of amazing american riders Axel has produced from this team alone. The U23 National Team is doing amazing things for us in Europe, Miller and Sayers are putting their hearts into it. Lastly have you seen the JR National team results lately… the are absolutely ripping it.
Growing up, what cyclist did you want to be like when you got older?
I have always looked up to Danny Pate. I feel like he has it figured out on a deeper level than most other people realize. To me, what he does is truly amazing, not the guy who goes hard for 17min up the final climb.
What do you do to relax/switch off from cycling?
Photography is something that lays down my mind and lets me forget about the bike. I have a little photo website that I put my shots on. Surfing in the off season, and just being with my friends at home.
In which way does social media (eg twitter, strava) influence you? For example training and pre- & post-racing routine?
It doesn't influence me very much. I personally don't use it a whole lot, and I feel that it consumes peoples lives these days, it is a bit of an ego driving thing as well. That being said I do feel it is important, it does have positive purpose, and I don't just hide from it. Moderation is important though.
Do you fancy yourself in another role in the sport of cycling after retiring from riding? And if yes where?
I'm just living in the moment. I'm sure bicycles will always be apart of my life, the wheels always keep turning in this sport it seems.
Are you aware of the Pro Cycling Manager/Tour de France computer game series? If yes, have you ever played it, and what do you think of it?
I have never played it, but I do know what it is. I have heard Lawson from 2 rooms down, over my music in the same room, and into the wee hours of the night clicking pretty ferociously.
