March 7, 2008 - With a vast array of illustrious credentials including the 2004 US Tour champion; 2006 #1 UCI-ranked Scratch race rider; silver Scratch race medalist at the 2006 Track Worlds; 6-time Canadian national champion and current 2007 National Road champ; twice Pan American championship medallist; and currently ranked 4th overall in the UCI scratch race, Gina Grain has made it no secret that she means business when it comes to racing bikes.
Her aspiration is that her top-level performances will bring her one step closer to her ultimate goal, which is to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The final decisions for Canadian Olympic representation will be made following the 2008 Track World Championships in Manchester, England from March 26-30.
Grain, along with Alex Wrubleski and Erinne Willock, is part of the Canadian powerhouse trio that recently joined the roster of #1 UCI-ranked Webcor Builders Pro Women's Cycling team for 2008. This is the last of our interviews with the Canadian trio as we caught up with Grain following the final Track World Cup in Copenhagen Denmark.
How has your plan for Olympic qualification changed your training and choice of races thus far?
Gina Grain: I spend a lot of time planning my season…and then after planning the season, you are still planning! I prepared my season gameplan based around what I needed for Olympic qualification. However, for me there needs to be a balance between my track season and my road season. I have been very fortunate in that my road teams have been very supportive of my track endeavors throughout the winter; however, I am committed to my road trade team first. With track being in the winter months, I can pretty much fully commit myself to my road team for the summer. This year, because of the Olympics most riders will have a plan that includes how to best prepare themselves for the Games and work with their trade team and to prepare a game plan that works well for both parties.
Which races will be your focus this year as a member of the Webcor Builders team?
GG: The Wachovia Classic in Philidelphia will be a focus of mine this season and it’s an honour to be a part of the Webcor team there. My big focus is going to be helping the team attain its goals. Everybody on the squad has key races, and to be an integral part of helping other riders reach their goals is also very important to me.
What do you think the effects will be for the Webcor team having three strong Canadian riders who are familiar with each other both personally and as athletes?
GG: It’s always a bit easier joining a new team when you know the riders. The team can mesh quicker and you spend less time getting to know each other’s strengths and personalities. Because of this, the team can start working together a lot easier and a lot faster. When you put a bunch of pro riders together who are at ease with themselves in knowing their role on the team and knowing their strengths and weaknesses you can get to work right away. Its like a chess game you know..? If the horse knows its role and the castle knows its role you can start playing the game… and then it continues in your head.
You've excelled at both track and road racing - do you feed off one discipline to perform better at the other? And do you prefer one over the other?
GG: Track racing and road racing are so much different from one another. You use similar energy systems and the training can definitely cross over, however, tactically the races come down to a different ball game. I bring my strengths on the road to the track. Do I prefer one over the other?? Hmm, tough question. Asking me now, at the end of a winter of track racing, I can’t wait to get on the road!!!! Ask me at the end of the road season and I may have a different answer J
Who is/are your cycling mentor(s) and why?
GG: I don’t really have one specific cycling mentor but I’d say my brother would by my mentor. Anybody who has a passion for what they are doing and puts hard work, dedication and persistence into it is my mentor. It’s not always going to be easy - actually, it’s never easy. I have tackled my career in cycling trying to reach the best that I can be while maintaining a healthy happy lifestyle.
What advice would you give to local Canadian riders with aspirations of becoming pro cyclists?
GG: What a great question!! Last year, Ann Samplonious and I came up with an acronym, jokingly at first, but has come true time and time again, and I believe it to be true. To be “PRO” first and foremost have you you to have: P – for planning and preparation, R – for recovery is as important as the training, and O – you need to be organized. You need these three elements everyday in your journey to achieve your optimal performance as you strive towards your dreams
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes, for sure. I would like to extend a huge thank you to my dedicated personal sponsors over the past few years. Special thanks to: Antosz Orthodontics, Iron Maiden seafoods, Red Square flax products, North Burnaby Massage Therapy Clinic, and Usana Health and Sciences. Without the help of my personal sponsors I would not be where I am right now. For more information please visit my website at www.ginagrain.com
|
Photo: (Webcor
Canada's Gina Grain now with Webcor.
Photo: (Webcor
Photo: Cor Vos
Gina Grain at the Track World Cup in Copenhagen Denmark.
Photo: Cor Vos
|
