Jonathan Page
Jonathan Page
Jonathan Page is the USA's top male cyclo cross rider, he is a multiple national champion and came close to a World Championship crown at Hooglede-Gits, Belgium, in 2006/07 when he claimed silver.
We talked to him as the professional cross scene gears up for the new season (Read his Blogs
).
Who will you be riding for in 2009/10?
My title sponsor is still Planet Bike in the USA.
Was the 2008/09 season your most difficult? We are aware that you crashed hard more than once and at Koksijde, you were concussed and missed a dope test. Have you put this behind you and we assume that at the time you must have been devastated? Just how did you pull yourself around?
The 08-09 season was definitely the hardest so far. I have sort of put the missed test disaster behind me...as best I can. I don't think I'll ever forget how bad that felt and how hard it was on my whole family. It really was devastating to have finally made it so far and then thinking that my career was over from something like that.
I was able to pull myself together by taking a break from the whole scene, first of all, then, having lots of support from my family, friends, supporters and even perfect strangers, helped me a lot. I have also made steps that I hope will help me transition from a prof cyclist and that helps me so I am not constantly worried about my future and the future of my family. Cyclists' careers can end quickly and without warning, as a result of a lot of things. Including but definitely not limited to, missed doping tests. I've learned to accept that and not spend my life worrying.
What are the most notable differences between racing in the USA and Europe? For instance you were heckled at one event in the USA in the most unpleasant way, which to our minds was disgusting and undeserved. Is this typical of races there?
I don't think it's typical of racing in America. I never been heckled in the USA before and only ever been heckled in France. I hope it isn't becoming normal. I don't think anyone deserves to be heckled. It's disgusting.
What preparations have you been doing for the new season of cross?
I have been training really hard, with multiple trainers to work on my weaknessses.
What is your race programme for the 2009/10 season? We guess you start in earnest at the Las Vegas Cross, what is that event like?
I start at Starcrossed in Seattle, the weekend before Vegas. Then I will do Vegas, Madison weekend, and Gloucester, MA, USA weekend before returning to Belgium in time to do the Super Prestige on the 11th of October. Then I'll be doing the rest of the Super Prestiges and World Cups and filling in with other UCI races from time to time.
Have you turned 'Belgian' because of the large amount of time you spend there (How long is that each year)? We have noted that at Belgian cross races that you always get a huge cheer from the crowd, they must think a lot of you?
Still American. But I do spend a lot of time there. I break it up with trips to Switzerland and summers in the USA, but we are in Belgium much of the year.
What are your goals for the coming season?
I want to be more consistent than previous years and have a few more podiums this season than the last ones. I want to win Naitonals, but am most focused on Worlds.
What events on the European calendar are you looking forward to the most and why?
I always like the Christmas series at the end because I get to race in Switzerland. I like going back there to race. In Belgium I look forward to Koppenburg. Its only a couple of k from my house and this year I have a little side bet going with a friend...In addition, I'm really looking forward to the Worlds. I plan to make a trip of it.
For 2009/10 you will be riding a Blue Norcross, a bike that you helped develop, was having the ear of a manufacturer and seeing your ideas worked upon, a good experience?
It was great! I got what is for me, the perfect bike! Great for me, great for Blue...
Thanks Jonathan and good luck in 2009/10.
