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NOV/DEC 2018
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“mainstream” sport in America? Do you think it will always be an
outsider sport compared to Europe?
RU: I wish for cycling to become a bigger sport but it takes a certain
mindset not everyone is open to and this saddens me. I want cycling
to become the next big thing and I think it has the potential especially
cyclocross which is an amazing sport to spectate.
OOM: Many top American cyclists move to Europe in order to pur-
sue a top professional career (Ian Boswell - France, Elie Anderson
- Belgium just to name two). Most teams are based there. Is this
something you have ever dreamed about for the future?
RU: I would love to race for a European team or have the chance to
race there for an extended period of time. I feel like the competition
across the pond would be great to battle with and improve myself more
and more.
OOM: I once asked Chris Horner if he ever just goes on a “fun
bike ride” around Bend? He answered, “never”. Horner bikes as a
job, nothing more. Do you ever go for a “fun bike ride”? Or is time
on the bike strictly have a purpose?
RU: I have never felt as if my riding is a chore like vacuuming or clean-
ing my room. I know many people do but I have had some amazing
support over the years to help it not be a chore and I’m very grateful for
that. I do go out on fun bike rides and I love to go up into the moun-
tains and just get lost, it’s something that I need with a rigorous training
schedule. Even on my training rides I make sure there is at least some
aspect of fun in it.
OOM: We just saw Bend raised Ian Boswell ride in two Grand
Tours, the Tour De France and Vuelta a Espana this summer. You
have seen it first hand how grit, sacrifice, determination can take
you to the top. How hard does that fire burn inside you?
RU: I won’t lie, there are days that I wake up and feel as if cycling is
the last thing I want to do. But I go out for 15 minutes and immediately
feel better. I want to race in Europe and I want to go far with this sport.
I have so much love for those who have supported me to where I am
now and in the future. I find that when it comes down to race day I can
feel the fire in me kindling and as I approach the start line I feel a rag-
ing intensity.
OOM: Any final words to family, friends, sponsors, supporters or
anything else?
RU: I am forever grateful to this eclectic community of cyclists. They
gave me the tools needed and have given me so much inspiration
over the years. Whether I’m out on a training ride or spectating a race
I always find people who have supported me and I am in their debt.
Thank you.
P: Whit Bazemore
“WELL I HAVE NOT SHAVED IN MONTHS
BUT I AM SHAVING FOR CYCLOCROSS
SEASON WHEN I USE EMBRO TO HEAT UP
THE LEGS WHEN IT’S FRIGID OUTSIDE”
P: Josh Brownlee