 How did you get into cycling?
I played competitive sports my entire life and when I got to college I felt like I needed a new sport. I started riding as a way to help manage my diabetes. I have always exercised in some way and it has been a major tool in my diabetes management program. So when I got to Auburn University I picked up a road bike and joined the club team. The first ride I did with the team, I lasted only six miles! I went home and started training and a month later went back out and I was able to keep up. Getting dropped that first time gave me a lot of motivation to figure out how to excel in cycling. I love challenges.
You played many sports in high school, but used cycling to manage with diabetes. When did you decide to switch from just riding to wanting to become a professional?
I think it is every athlete’s dream to become a professional athlete. I never thought it would be in cycling. In cycling, you watch the professionals racing and think “Wow they are going so fast!” You then start to work your way through the categories. One day you are racing in the Pro/amateur races and you realize you can do it -- you can become a professional. The first race I competed in the Pro1/2 category, I made the breakaway and finished fourth. I think that was one of the moments in my career that I realized I could make the next step.
As I understand you have to inject mid race sometimes. Does the peloton ever sit up for you in these situations, similar to when riders take a natural break?
I have a lot of good stories around this question! The race never stops! I have a continuous glucose monitor attached to my bike and I make adjustments to my medication requirements based on the readings. Taking the injection of medication is a normal thing for me in the race now. I don’t try to do anything until there is an easier moment in the race and it is safe for me to do so. If the group takes a nature break then I use that as a time to make my adjustments.
What do you do to relax/switch off when you aren’t cycling?
I like to spend as much time as I can with my wife and son. We usually find some type of outdoor adventure to do. I also like fly fishing and drawing to really turn the switch off. It keeps my mind fresh so I can really focus on the bike when I need to.
In which way does social media (eg twitter, strava) influence you? For example training and pre- & post-racing routine?
I like to use Twitter to find news articles (non-cycling) and check race results. I look at instagram to see photos of where my friends are and where our team is. I tried Strava one time and it was not for me, I am not winning any KOM’s…
When you retire, would you like to still work in bike racing? If so, doing what?
I am sure I will stay in bike racing in some capacity. I think I will be involved more in getting people active and just riding a bike. Part of my job at Team Novo Nordisk that I like the best is inspiring, educating and empowering people with diabetes, so I would like to continue to do that after I hang up the bike. I would also like to work with some of the younger riders and help them adjust to professional racing.
Are you aware of the Pro Cycling Manager/Tour de France computer game series?
I have been told by quite a few people about Pro Cycling Manager. From what they tell me I need to send a gift to the game developer to make me a little faster on there! I know I rank high in the downhill category…
If yes, have you ever played it, and what do you think of it?
I have not played it yet. I am waiting until the version comes out with the highest rankings for me. |
