Interview with Junior, Cheyne Hoag

TH: Cheyne, congratulations on a great year. How did you get interested in competitive cycling, and how long have you been doing it?   

CH: I got into competitive cycling very shortly after I started riding a road bike.  I am very competitive and quickly saw the competitive side to cycling through rides with my dad (Dave Hoag) and uncle (Peter Hoag).  I have been cycling competitively for 2 years now.

TH: How do you fit cycling into a school work and other athletics?

CH: Fortunately cycling does not conflict very much with school work and other athletics since it is in the summer.  However, when it does conflict in the spring it is hard. It is difficult for me to get quality base miles in before the racing season.  

 

TH: Do you normally train alone or with others? 

CH:: I, for the most part, train by myself during the week.  On weekends I train with my dad, my uncle, my friend (Jake Castor), and my brother (Kyle), if there isn't a race that weekend.

TH: Seems like you prefer hills, is that something you concentrate on, or has it just come naturally?

CH: I do prefer the climbing aspect of cycling.  It seems to come naturally.  Although, it helps that I weigh 140 pounds and live where you are surrounded by the hills.

 

TH What was harder the Green Mountain Stage Race or the prologue for the Highlander?

CH: It is very difficult to compare the Green Mountain Stage race with the Highlander prologue.  The prologue of the highlander is one day, and all out by yourself, so you can only go as hard as you push yourself.  It is very painful, but is not endured as much as it is in Green Mountain.  In the Green Mountain Stage race I have not only learned to become a better racer but have pushed past my limits.  I can remember thinking on several occasions, how am I going to stay on.  I was dropped on a climb in the road race, which was quite disturbing for me considering the finish was on top of very long and steep climb.  I would have to say Green Mountain was more demanding and harder.

 

TH: What gearing did you use for the prologue?

CH: I used 39-27 gearing.  I can ride faster using the lower gears.

 

TH: Finally, what is your favorite junk food?

CH: I  don't eat a whole lot of junk food but I do enjoy candy and any type of chocolate.

 

TH: Any other secrets or confusions you would like to pass along?

CH: Ironically, I got my first road bike on my 13th birthday even though I didn't really ask for it and figured i probably wouldn't ride it much.  My dad had been riding for years and wanted to get me into it so i could ride with him and my uncle.  Ever since then I have enjoyed every minute on the bike.

TH: Thanks and we look forward to seeing you early next year in the Spring Giros.

CH:   Thanks Taylor, and I look forward to seeing you next season.