There really is nothing more difficult than legitimately trying to get face time with a celebrity of any kind. I feel fortunate in that I’ve spent some time around celebs. Having grown up in Park City, Utah, home of the Sundance Film Festival, I don’t get too silly around anyone. That’s not to say that I don’t get silly, but I get less silly. Kind of like losing weight…I went from fat, to less fat.
So me and my friends are walking around the Pro parking area and we make our way towards the Slipstream area. How surreal it is to see this vehicle in real life after watching these guys, who are basically America’s team (along with Astana, and Team High Road). I meet one of their people…the ones who are setting up and approach them concerning the possibility of getting to talk to a couple of the Pros. They basically tell me “I don’t know.” Damn it. I’m frusterated because I did go through the proper channels a month ago with the PR people for Slipstream to set something up. I am determined to get something. So I decide I’ll come back.
As we’re making our way back to “Rock Racing World” along with the other tents of Jittery Joe’s and Revolution, we pass the High Road RV. This little RV was a sorry sight. It looked like they stuck some magnets with the logo on the side of this beast. Much like Rock Racing, the Pros where never really seen hanging out. As we are simply walking around and talking, I see Ken Young again. He’s with Mayor Fenty and my other friend Max. I got a picture with him and my partner in crime for the day, Ramone. Sweet. The Mayor just got a nice article in Bicycling Magazine about being the Mayor of the most improved city for bikes in reference to the new commuter bike system that is going into effect mid-June. I have to admit, Mayor Fenty is a hell of a nice guy and as it turns out, a big fan of cycling (if you didn’t catch the article of him the Post the last week or so). Sweet. We’re on a good run so far.
After running into the Mayor, I start to see some hot looking Felt bikes rolling around by conspicuous black shirt wearing Slipstream guys. I look closer to see that the bikes have the names of their riders on them. I see Tyler Farrar’s name. They’ll be here soon. Suddenly I see the black and green kits of the Rock Racing team ride past. Me and a number of other cycling fans realize that we are beginning to rub shoulders with the Gods of the continental racing. We decide to make our way back to the Team parking area.
As we make our way back to Slipstreams van, I notice that there are more people here than there were 15 minutes ago. As I get closer to the van, a large Blue and Yellow wearing man rides by. It’s none other than the big man himself, Magnus Backstedt. I say something to him about an interview, and he says “sure.” He dismounts his steed and turns around with a smile on his face. Magnus is huge. Serious. Even for cyclists. The pro racers are generally tiny and Big Magnus is big. He’s also the nicest guy. Completely approachable and easy to talk to. I got my interview with him. It was brief, but insightful. it went a bit like this:
DC: This is Gregg with District Cycling here with Magnus Backstedt, how are you doing man?
MB: Yeah, pretty good.
GD: Good! You looking forward to today’s race?
MB: Yeah, I mean, it’s been a long time since I’ve done a full on criterium you so it should be interesting getting back into the swing of it.
GD: How are your legs feeling coming out of the Giro?
MB: Yeah, legs are good, and form is good and it’s just a different type of racing you know so it will probably take me half the race to get going, but it should be good towards the end I think.
GD: You are Slipstreams friggin powerhouse, man. We saw you out front in the first week at the Giro pluggin away. How do you think the team is looking so far in getting closer to the tour?
MB: Yeah, we’re lookin good, I mean everything is working perfectly. I think we showed it with a win in the Team Time Trial there in the Giro so that we are definitely a force to be reckoned with and everyone is enjoying riding their bikes and hanging out together. It’s just a big family you know and we all love spending time and that makes a difference when we get out there on the bike.
After this I asked him if I could get a picture with him, and he said of course, then put his arm around me and pulled me in! It was at this point that I knew Magnus and I would be the best of friends. Go Maggy!
Don’t let my ugly mug fool you, I’m squealing on the inside.
NDN LUV
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Good for you. Looks like your having fun – keep it up.