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

I heard about the new series early last fall.  I was pretty excited, no offense to Frosty and crew they did a great job but I was pumped for something new and maybe some new venues that aren't at ski areas high up in the mountains.   


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

I think that this is a step in the right direction, they are trying to make every race a UCI race and trying a little more at bringing the races to the people because obviously the people aren't coming to watch.  I like how the new series has the idea of catering to amateur racers, it's the right idea because they are the ones buying the product.  All in all I think they are trying there best at bringing the sport back around and I am pretty excited for this season and what they are planning on doing for the seasons to come.


STXC or Super D? Which do you think is better for the sport and should both be on the schedule at the National races?

I would say Super D because I hate STXC and the reason for that is I am horrible at it.  In reality I think STXC was a great idea to make a race that is spectator friendly,  I only think STXC faded because it turned into dirt crits and the races were not as entertaining.  If STXC were to go back to the old days where there were jumps, stairs and other goofy stuff then they should bring it back.  In the end I really like super D and if it were my choice I would keep super D around because it is more progressive for the sport and it's something XCers and DHers can compete against one another in.


How do you feel about the loss of the Semi-Pro class and bigger fields for Pro Men?
 

I think the loss of the Semi-Pro class is a good thing for the development of younger riders.  Bigger Pro fields on the other hand look good on paper but could be a little messy for the guys up front who will now possibly have to lap more riders when it comes to shorter lap races.



Having come up through the Devo pipeline, you had a pretty high level of support compared to a lot of Junior/ U23 riders, and you were able to make it to many of the NORBA/ NMBS races. Was that high level of racing as a Junior a benifit? For those Junior and U23 riders who have had success on a regional level, would you recommend they travel to the National Series races?

Racing on Devo was a great experience, if anyone has the chance to race for devo or a team like it I would highly recommend joining.  The experiences and support that you get when traveling and racing on a team like that are unforgettable, you learn so much more about racing and about yourself when you have a supportive team like that.  I think that if you have the mindset that mountain biking is what you want to do then racing at the highest level you can race at will be the most beneficial thing you do in the development of your career.  I would recommend that junior or U-23s travel to National level races.  I think that it is beneficial for them to race on different courses or terrain that they are not used to and to race against other riders that they normally don't race against. I think that in different areas in the country riders race differently and to be able to see and learn how other riders race will help them immensely.



For the Junior racers who will be looking at colleges in the near future, talk a little about your experience at Fort Lewis. Would you recommend serious racers pick a school with a serious cycling program?

My experience at Fort Lewis was great.  For me it was the right place but for some I could see it being the wrong place.  I liked having races every weekend and having people push you and help you perform but I could see that being too much for some.  I went to a ski academy for High school so for me it just seemed like college equivelant just with more freedom and bikes.  The school itself was really easy going and the teachers were pretty tolerant when it came to missing classes for races. The thin with the team  was that it could be a serious as you wanted it and there was the support for you depending on how serious you wanted it to be.   There are a lot serious racers and a lot of people racing for fun so if you weren't serious about racing then you always had someone to ride with or you had the ability to race every weekend and people to train with.  I would definitely recommend that serious racers choose a school with a strong and serious program because with a strong team, team support and other fast riders to train with you will only get faster.


 
 We've seen you crack the NMBS top 15 a couple times over the past two years; will this be the year Adam Snyder stands on a podium? What are your goals for 2009? 
 

Whoa! I don't know about the podium yet but that's the end goal.   My goals for this season are to finish up in the top 10 in the overall series and to finish in the top 10 at some of the races. I would really like to have some solid races when I'm back on the East side like at MT Snow, Windham, Sainte Anne, and Bromont.  I would like top 10s at Snow and Windham and top 30 at the two World Cups.


Willow Koerber or Niki Gudex? And you can't say both.
 

Damn, that is a hard question.  I feel as if I say Willow then I will be pissed at myself for not saying Niki. Man this is hard, can I say it depends on which country I'm in? If so then when I'm in the US it would be Willow and if I am in Australia, then let's throw another Niki on the barbi. On the other hand since I have never been to Australia then I guess I would say Willow. She looks good on her website.  Hold on this is a trick question if what you're asking is who's the hottest mtber?  Then there is no question it's Katerina.


What is a Snoodle?

Todd and Meg gave me the nick-name so i'll let them define it for you.
  
Meg says it's in between a Poodle (my hair) and my last name...?

Todd says I wonder what Gully is doing?

My answer for a Snoodle would be a ferociously sexy half man half wildebeest with a mustache whom depicts all that is man.