Rachel Lloyd Interview

There are roadies, there are MT Bikers. In Mt Biking there are downhillers and XC riders. There is not much cross pollination between the groups. There are the gifted few who can seamlessly make the transition. Throw cyclocross in there and Rachel Lloyd arguably does it better than anyone. If it has two wheels then most likely she can ride it faster than you. She was kind enough to take some time out of her prep for Cyclocross Nationals and answer a few questions for us.

COTBR: Have you accepted The Big Ring as your personal savior?

Rachel Lloyd: I’ll have to do some more research before I can accept the big ring as my savior…

COTBR: Have you tried the socks yet? Folks are reporting an extra 20 watts from them!

RL: I have tried the socks they are awsome, definately 20 more watts, thanks!

COTBR: You seem to thrive in nasty conditions. Are will you be doing a snow dance for Kansas City?

RL: I have definately been doing the snow dance for Kansas, but it looks like it will be fairly warm and windy… we’ll see!

COTBR: What does your Euro campaign look like this year?

RL: his years Euro campain: I will fly to Belgium on Monday after Nat’s and will race the last four world cup races. Nommay France Dec. 21, then Zolder Belgium Dec. 26 with some local races to follow (I still need to figure these out) Then Jan 18 in Roubaix France, and Jan 25 in Milan Italy. I hope to make the national team and race the World Champs Jan 31-Feb 1 in Hoogerheide in the Netherlands. That’s my plan, I am stickin to it!

COTBR: Clinchers or tubulars?

RL: I am on tubies now-a-days, I ride Challenge tubulars and Williams carbon wheels. (they are awesome!)

COTBR: Any advice to ladies out there who may be thinking about giving ‘cross a go but are a little intimidated?

RL: Intimidated, shmintimidated, just give it a shot it’s just bike racing. There are categories for everyone out there, local races are usually very low key and fun, so get out there and give ‘cross a shot!

COTBR: You “chicked” like 90% of the field (including yours truely, I tried to hang on the DH but soon felt how Custer must have felt shortly after saying “What Indians?”) at Downieville this year. What is your best story about guys who can’t handle getting their ass whooped by a girl?

RL: I’ll have to get back to you with a good story about dudes going slow…

Thanks again. See ya in Kansas City!

53×11,
The Rev