Interview Rebecca Gross

After a year hiatus, you can spot Rebecca Gross back in the mud again. The rider from Colorado is already back in Europe and took already part in the World Cup again. The US Air Force veteran tells today about her current ambitions, past experiences, on and off the bike. 10 seasons after her Masters World title on home soil, it's time to look back and forward on her carreer and everything she enjoys arround it.

 

You're racing for two decades now, what were the most memorable moments for you in this time?

Seeing myself grow into the person and athlete that I am, discovering that there is so much more to racing than chasing a result, and meeting and becoming friends with amazing people all around the world. I will rarely be the fastest racer out there but there is a whole lot to gain from putting yourself out on the start line regardless.

 

Last season meant a period without racing at all for you. How did you feel during that period?

To be honest I loved it. It was the first year in ten since I have lived where I do that I got to experience the fall colors, do more camping, and spend more time outdoors in the mountains which will always be my favorite spot. I didn’t realize I needed or wanted a change of pace but when it was forced upon me I loved every second.

 

Despite having no races, you rode your bike quite a lot this year. Anything new that you discovered, that you would like to recommend to our readers?

I get a certain amount of satisfaction from connecting all the different riding trails and routes evenwhen it doesn’t seem as though it’s possible. I’d say find what really excites you to get out. 

 

You were part of the US Air Force in the past, how did you experience this job?

I believe this was part of growing up for me. I am very opinionated so it perhaps was not the best fit but I learned how to be a great leader and take care of those who work with or for me and how to prioritize the task at hand and to minimize drama. Nothing is more important than looking out for your people and you can be comfortable knowing that they will take care of you when you need it because you will always have their best interest in mind.

 

What are your ambitions for the current cyclocross season?

I’d like to get back some points so that next year if I train harder and have more focus I can have some better performances. Since I’ve already achieved this I’m just here to remind myself how much I love the courses over here as well as to travel and race.

 

Did cyclocross racing change since you started racing yourself?

I started out with American races for over two thirds of my career and I’ve only had the privilege to see Europe and the top racing in the world for the last four years. The most notable difference is that when I began racing there were much less resources, equipment technology, and coaching knowledge, everyone was just sort of figuring it out on their own. Now there is so much information out there, such great technology, so much resources for younger riders. The quality and abilities of the upcoming generation of racers is beyond anything my generation could have foreseen. The talent is just through the roof now, what these younger riders are capable of is amazing. I’m thrilled that I get to not just glimpse it but see first hand. I believe it helps me as a coach as well as an athlete.

 

Which tips would you give to people who want to start racing as well?

My first race was not fun. I was very uncomfortable with the pressure of competing with a sport I was not so good at yet. But after I did it I realized that I wanted to do it more and it wasn’t about winning necessarily, it was about learning and growing as a person.

 

What are your favourite cyclocross races?

Definitely here in Europe. Years past America had races later in the season that would have weather but with the World Cups there so early in September all the races are dry and grassy, very fast and well….boring. There is no technical challenge in America because all the UCI races have amateur races on the course earlier in the day. A few races will have a “pro only” feature but those are few and far between. In Europe there are things that scare me really bad yet once I race I realize it’s not such a big deal and totally rideable. It adds pressure to have spectators out and deeper fields and all of those things go together to make me a more well-rounded rider and feel as though I’ve actually accomplished something when I roll across the finish line.