Q. George, thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us, how are you recovering from your Tour of Utah injuries?
A. I’m just starting back up from my injuries. The two ProTour races in Canada were the chance to get race legs and race speed into me and help the team out. They were two beautiful races in two spectator-friendly locations right in the downtown.
Q. The Stars & Stripes jersey looks good on you, are you confident about defending your title in the US National Championships in a few weeks?
A. I was until I crashed in Utah. My knee is fine but I missed training and I missed racing. I’m behind where I need to be. I’m hoping for a miracle in the next week. A couple weeks ago I thought my season was over.
Q. Your racing over the years means you have seen a lot of changes to the sport, both positive and negative, do you enjoy the technology aspect of wind tunnels, radios and aero drink bottles or do you prefer to sit on your bike and ride for the pleasure?
A. I have things pretty dialed in now. But I’m always willing to try something new if the team recommends something. For example, I rode the same bike for much of my career. But I’m really happy with the BMCs. They’re really terrific, top-of-the-line bicycles.
Q. We recently heard the great news that you?re going to race next year and enter your 16th Tour de France. Will you look back with pride on equalling the record for most Tour starts, and was this a motivating factor?
A. I think I have one more good year in me. This year was a chance to help the BMC Racing Team as it took things to the next level.
Q. Of all your Tour experiences, which year gives you the greatest satisfaction? Do you have one moment that stands out above all others?
A. Nothing really stands out ? other than finishing on Champs-Elysees on the last day. It’s always a good feeling.
Q. After the Tour we spoke with your team mate Cadel about his elbow, at the time did you realise how bad it was and how much pain he was going through?
A. None of us (riders) knew that he had broken it. I didn’t give it much thought when he turned around right away on the rest day ride. I just figured he still wasn’t feeling good from his crash. He fought hard every day just to finish the Tour.
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Q. When it was announced that Lance was riding for Radioshack, many people assumed you would go there as well. Can you tell us what made you decide to ride for BMC and how you feel the first year has gone?
Q. BMC have a really cool kit, did you have any input into the design through your label?Hincapie Sports?
A. I really believed in Andy Rihs and Jim Ochowicz?s vision for the sport. I think Andy has done so much for cycling so I?ve always been interested in his program. Jim gave me my first pro contract 17 years ago and I?ve kept in very close contact with him over the years. I was really hoping to win a Classic, but it didn’t quite happen. However, I’ve been consistent all season.
Q. BMC have a really cool kit, did you have any input into the design through your label?Hincapie Sports? A. Yes, I was heavily involved in the design. It’s been a good seller for Hincapie Sportswear.
Q. Can you give us a background on how you & your brother Richard got into sportswear with?Hincapie Sports, and do you see this as a big part of your future once you hang up the bike?
A. It was a business that Rich and I saw a need for in the industry. Quality clothing, produced by people who know cycling. He’s much more involved in it right now than I am. I do work with him to make sure we’re producing clothing that is top-level. If the pros don’t like it, you can’t expect someone else to like it. I don’t know what my involvement will be after I stop riding.
Q. Unfortunately Floyd Landis mentioned your name earlier this year in his allegations, being renowned as a 100% clean cyclist, how did this make you feel, and have you seen him since?
A. I’ve said before that I stand by my legacy as one of the most respected riders in the pro peloton. That’s all I have to say on that subject.
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Thanks for your time George!
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