Tour of California Q&A
Category: Lifestyle
Expert: Chris JonesProfessional bicycle racer and Auburn native Chris Jones answers your questions about cycling and the Tour of California.
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Most Recently Answered Questions
Questions 1 - 7 of 7 (Page 1 of 1)Q: You're also a good cyclocross racer, which do you prefer road or cross? And what's your favorite cross race, probably CrossVegas I'm guessing ?
A: Can I say both?! It is hard to compare to two sports, but I prefer to think of myself as a road rider who has am addiction to cyclocross.
Q: Chris, what gearing will most riders be running in Stage 1? Standard 53/39 x 11/25? Or something lower?
A: Most will be riding a 53x39 with a 11x23 cassette. Some of the sprinters will run a 54 or 55x 39 though.
Q: What is speed are your achieving going uphill and downhill from Nevada City? What would be your heart rate at?
A: Energize -
I have not raced in Nevada City before, but it is not uncommon for us to reach speeds upwards of 50mph when descending. Heart rate also varies, but I will see my heart rate somewhere in the 190's.
Q: I am loving all the cycling coverage. It would be helpful if the Bee would give a specific map (or suggestions) of the last 10 miles so we can determine where to watch the peloton or mention on the whole route where to watch. Thanks
A: John -
The Bee will have an article shortly on the best places to view the 1st Stage of the Amgen Tour of California.
Thanks for the question from Redding, one of my favorite places to train.
Q: Chris, I was curious how big an impact pollen (and other allergens) have on professional riders. More people than normal seem to be suffering this year and I suspect cyclists aren't immune. Do doping laws limit what you can take?
A: Jon -
Pollen and other allergens can have a huge impact on professionals. We place huge demands on our pulmonary system and any reduction in its capacity can negatively affect performance. I suffer from seasonal allergies and this time of year is tough. The international cycling anti-doping guidelines do limit what medications we can use, so treatment is not as easy as going to the pharmacy or the doctor. If medication doesn't work, then a temporary change of location might be required and I am always up for taking a vacation.
Q: Hi Chris, nice to see this forum. Have you ever tried any of the races on the north coast. It would be great to have quality competitors up here.
A: I haven't raced on the north coast, but my wife and I often go to the Eureka area for training during the summer to avoid the heat. I love the Tour of the Unknown Coast route.
Q: Hi Chris. First, thanks for agreeing to answer questions. This is one of the country's great cycling areas, and to have a rider of your caliber talking with us is quite cool. My question is, when you are in a tightly packed group going over tough terrain at high speed, how do you keep from thinking about the consequences of making a mistake and maybe taking a bad spill?
Best of luck in the Tour.
A: BigB-
Thanks for the question. After so many hours on the road, the high speeds and close proximity to the other riders is something that I have adapted to. I tend to try not to get caught up on the , 'oh man this is crazy or scary' aspect, but try to focus on how to safety make it through tough situations. This approach tends to keep me calm.
