2009 brings some big changes to the domestic MTB schedule with the creation of the new US proXCT, East Coast, and West Coast series'. When did you first hear about the new schedule and what were your first impressions?

Fall 2008, I was stoked. I think its just what we need. It will allow people with less of a racing budget to race more near home if they are on the east or west coast keeping racer costs down. Also it turns it more into like NCAA basket ball...you can see riders on either coast or division then you don't know who is really the fastest/strongest till the shootout. Keeps things exciting.



Do you view this series as a step in the right direction for National Level MTB racing, or "same product, new packaging"?

The series is Awesome!!! It will allow for more UCI points to be accumulated in the US without having to go across the pond to get them which is mentally/physically/financially taxing for everyone. I understand they are working on a Central Cup Series for 2010 for those unfortunate souls who live in the Central US and have to travel for every big race.



In general, how do you feel about the state of Mountain Biking domestically? ..Up swing? Downward spiral? Same old?
After seeing the success at Bonelli Park and being around Scott Tedro for a while and seeing his passion and go get 'er attitude and drive I would say look out world the US is coming back and in a hurry!!!


What are your thoughts on the loss of the Semi Pro class and larger fields in the Pro Men?
I say...Sweet!!! Bring on the bigger field size!!! People should check out racer starts in Europe. Marathon races frequently have over 500 racers starting all at the same time, and world cups:200-300 starters all at the same time. If we are going to compete with them we need to get with the program.


As a professional racer, would you like to see STXC be a part of the national series races? Super D as well?
Personally I had a lot of fun with STXC and I thought it was fun for the fans. I think we need to bring the lap distances down in the XC to 15-18 min and make much more of the courses viewable to the spectators. I would like to see maybe some kind of omnium XC, STXC, Super D.


If Sammy J were in charge, what would his ideal MTB series look like?
If I was in charge, the whole series would be like how Bonelli Park was...double the racers they were expecting...tons of fans out around the whole course. The event was in an urban city center park easily accessable by all of Southern California. They brought back FREE T-SHIRTS, for the racers, there was free food for the racers, the Amature fields were huge, there was a fun ride to get non-racers introduced to the sport and maybe break the ice a little so they might try out racing, everyone had a huge smile on their face. My ideal mountain bike series in the US is the US CUP.



How's the transition been from the U23 National Team to Show Air/ Specialized? I heard something about a new car?
Haha, the transition has been fantastic. Every day it blows my mind how well Scott Tedro personally takes care of me. It was definitely a little scary moving out of the Olympic Training Center, but I think I was ready and things came together thanks to Scott Tedro and Shoair. Yes, I can even afford a car.


Personal Goals for 2009 MTB?
First and formost be a member of my team and help Sid and Manny accomplish their goals to the best of my ability and learn as much from either of them as I possibly can and be an ambassador for the sport. Secondly, I want the top spot on the podium at a few races this year. I've been working my way up over the years and the top spot is all that is left. Qualify for the 2009 World Championships. Lastly, recoupe and relax a little more this year and hunker down for the next 3 years leading up to the Olympics...London here I come!!!