For the last two pro races, I have tried to pin down Rock Racing’s Fast Freddie Rodriguez. The CSC Invitational had a huge Rock Racing set up to fit the hype seen on TV surrounding the Tour of California. For Rock Racing fans, it was exciting to see it in real life. I was able to grab David Clinger and Rahsaan Bahati at the time, but missed Fast Freddie and later heard that Tyler Hamilton was walking around only to miss an interview with him as well (he was out on an injury). At the Capital Crit, I was flagging Pros down for interviews. While being able to obtain interviews with nearly all of the Slipstream team, I was only able to touch base again with Rahsaan, and missed Fast Freddie again. I have mistyped, I was denied by Fast Freddie outright. I called out, he slowed down, and said “No, I’ve done enough interviews today.” and he sped off. Nothing like being denied in front of 50 people. So needless to say, I was doubtful that I would be able to get an interview with Mr. Rodriguez. In the spirit of perseverance, I got him. The man has a swagger and spirit about him…one of surety as a cyclist and as an individual. He was gracious enough to entertain my questions:
District Cycling: This is Gregg with District Cycling, I’m here with Fast Freddie Rodriguez, how are you doing man?
Freddie Rodriguez: Good! Nice to be here. Enjoying the good weather and hope it stays dry…that’s good for bike racing.
DC: Yeah a big difference from last year when it was a little warmer.
FR: Yeah, it was pretty warm last year.
DC: What are the expectations today going into the race?
FR: Last year we had a little bit of confusion with the breakaways and stuff, so this year we want to stay a little more tentative and make sure we make the breakaways and see how the course is. Hopefully it’s a bit cleaned up from last year. The roads were a bit bumpy last year, so if they did that it can make a big difference.
DC: How has your season gearin’ up so far?
FR: Good! We have had a pretty stellar season. We had a really good showing in California where we won a stage there, we were always on the podium, and I was in a couple of top 10’s in the sprint with the big guys. We then went over to Spain and rocked there. We won [Vuelta a] Asturias, where we won team GC, we won 3 stages and always on the podium. We won a stage at Castilla y León, or we got second but we’ve done really well on all the European races so far. So far we’re really good! The team is really excited. Rock Racing is still moving forward and still looking good. As the economy recovers I think cycling will start seeing a better show. You’re seeing a little loll in American racing, and I’m hoping as the economy recovers that we start seeing more races so we can go to races.
DC: Now obviously you guys have a huge following and I myself am a big fan of Rock Racing. We were sad to see Tyler Hamilton retire. How is moral on the team?
FR: We’re still shooting for the same goal. We’re growing this team. We want this team at the top level. We want to see the team at the Tour de France next year. We’ve conceived of racing races like the Giro and the Vuelta. That’s our goal, that’s what we want to do, that’s what this team is all about, getting to the top level. Eventually, with the right planning and the right timing we’re going to get there.
DC: That’s awesome! We wish you the best of luck and I appreciate your time in talking to me. Good luck today!
FR: Thanks!
Much of what Fast Freddie said was good, but surprising. The media has speculated the demise of Rock Racing, especially in light of Tyler Hamilton’s early retirement and the circumstances under which he finally left the sport of cycling. Given the elimination of Kayle for EPO and the firing of a at least one rider (that I can think of) in addition to the above mentioned, it is not unreasonable to believe that Rock Racing is on their last leg. By the mouth of Fast Freddie, one of Rock’s star racers, they’re on the up and up. I did notice a number of young racers who were wet behind the ears, including one that I got to interview, so perhaps things are ramping up again. I can honestly say that I miss the hype from last year. I am a fan of Rock Racing’s hardcoreness and can only hope they soon have the hype surrounding the team again because it does wonders for the sport (as it has done wonders for the sport). Much like a Shakespeare play, you have to have all the characters to make the drama, comedy and tragedy entertaining.
More to come.
DC
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
The question I would have loved to have asked: “Hey, Freddie, you’re one of the top paid racers on the team. When’s the last time you stepped onto the podium?” They should have sent Bahati to Clarendon Cup. At least he would have finished.
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I don’t buy the Rock on the way up hype, either. That team is falling apart (good move, Chris Baldwin). It’s a shame, because it’s a solid collection of riders. Unfortunately, they have to worry about more than riding because of Ball’s douchebaggery (and unwillingness to hire a real DS).
Ball said previous to any doping on the team that if any of his riders tested positive he would completely disband the team…too bad he didn’t follow through, now its watching the sinking ship in slo-mo.