Q&A
Mountain biking or cyclocross? Which do you prefer? It depends on how I’m feeling, I’d say. There are some aspects of both disciplines that I really enjoy. A mountain bike is amazing because it allows you to explore some terrain and places that no other bike would allow you to see. Also, when you’re going as fast as you can on a downhill, it gives you an adrenalin rush that is hard to beat. On the other hand, with my ’cross bike, I love the feeling that the bike is being used to its limit and when I need to use my whole body to move the bike and make it over the terrain.
Would you say this has been your most successful cyclocross season? Yes, I think I would say that. For the first time, I was able to win some races, which I haven’t been able to do in awhile! Honestly, I’m not more fit and I’m not riding better than I was before – maybe there’s a tiny little bit of that. Mostly, I feel like I’ve figured out some stuff mentally. For example, I’m way calmer before and during races, and that allows me to be more aware of what’s happening, respond better and use more of my capacities.
Do you have a mentor? I have a lot of mentors. I don’t think I can stress enough how crucial my teammates have been to my development. When I arrived on Clif Pro Team, I was 20 years old. Since then, I have been surrounded by pretty amazing, experienced, successful and caring ladies: Katerina Nash, Georgia Gould and Catharine Pendrel. I feel like they all took me under their wings when I came on the team.
Is there a difference between training for mountain bike races and cyclocross races? My training changes a little bit. During ’cross season, I don’t ride as many hours as I do in the mountain bike season, but I do a bit more intensity and I run more. I do as much technical work as I do for mtb, but it is more ’cross specific. In a ’cross race, is getting the hole shot important? In my opinion, it doesn’t mean much. As Katerina Nash would say, “The goal is to be first at the finish line, not at the start.”
Clif bars, Luna bars or Bloks? Honestly, all of them. Clif has so many delicious products. People think they only have the original Clif bars, but they have about 10 different types and all of them are great (and organic).
You recently posted a photo of a honey dipper on Instagram. Is woodworking a hobby? Yes, I love creating stuff and working with my hands. My grandfather used to do a lot of woodworking and I always thought it was cool. His favourite tool was the wood lathe and I recently got one. My first project was that honey dipper.
Do you have plans for the 2017 mountain bike season? Yes, I will still be racing with Clif Pro Team. I will most likely be doing the North American circuit of US Cups, Epic Rides, Canada Cups, nationals, Mont-sainte-anne World Cup and maybe some other races.