Another month gone by, and another massive pile of outstanding questions! Seriously, it takes some time to choose the winner and this month I think we have a great one. Santiago Murtaugh is this month’s lucky guy, and he will have some happy feet for the rest of the year thanks to SOLE.
I’m in no way trying to be insulting about you age here, but as you put on more miles, races, and seasons – How do you see your racing style and role as a professional racer evolve and change with age? Do you become more selective on what events you pick in every season? Do you see yourself becoming a mentor to younger riders similar to what Ned Overend does in the Specialized XC team (and still kick their butts, just like him)?
Answer: Thanks for the compliment by associating me with someone like Ned Overend. Ned is a legend and has done an amazing job inspiring other riders and staying super involved in the bike industry. He also still continues to race at a super elite level. There is a point in every athlete’s career when they transition away from being 100% focused on race results. Some athletes just leave the sport and others, like Ned, stay involved and continue to inspire. I know I will always be an athlete and I will always have a competitive streak and my goal is to stay involved with the bike industry. I love getting other people on bikes and that is the main reason I designed the SRAM Gold Rusch Tour for this year. If my riding and racing is motivating to younger (or older) riders, then I’ll consider my career a successful one!
Enjoy those new shoes!
