Sometimes, getting an interview is as easy as sending an email. After reading his blog on cyclingnews, we figured reigning NRC champion Rory Sutherland would tolerate our pestering questions.

schmalz It seemed like everyone in Lycra in California had the runs. How did you avoid getting the ToC flu?

Sutherland How did I avoid getting the flu? I am still in bed, a week after the race. For some reason (and I’m thankful for it) I got it after the race instead of during. I think it was pure luck!

schmalz Where did the flu plague come from? A virus? Was it a dodgy buffet? Or was it a plant as some sort of nefarious UCI plot? There isn’t a black helicopter above you right now is there?

Sutherland I have no idea about where it all came from. One contaminated person and with such close proximity of riders/staff etc, and it spreads like wild fire. the weather also wouldn’t have helped too much either! I will have to go out and look for the Helicopter….. If I can get myself out of bed that is!

schmalz You were in the long break on the last stage of the ToC, how do you guys pass the time when you’re out front for so long? Do you chat at all? Was Creed’s R&R kit disorientating?

Sutherland Its tough in a break like that. I try to think about little things along the road. Little points i need to make sure I get to, thinking about how to save energy yet keep the break away, how to kill time. I knew quite a few of the boys, so a passing comment here and there got me through ok. Creeds kit… yes, its bright! I just close my eyes when im in close proximity, seems to work pretty well.

schmalz It seems now that cycling in the US has gone NASCAR – in that its biggest event is now at the beginning of the season (like Daytona), do US teams put their biggest emphasis on the ToC – is it the biggest objective of the season?

Sutherland For our team it is the biggest race of the year. With our major sponsor, Healthnet being a californian company, it makes it extra important to us. With the level of competition, tv coverage, and general public interest, it is the biggest race in the US. This doesn’t mean we all don’t have other goals or objectives during the year though.

schmalz Do you see mustache fever gripping the US peloton in the way it’s taken over at Slipstream?

Sutherland Lets see how it all pans out. Cozza is doing a great job at introducing it into Europe. the 80’s porn star look is something I am not currently trying to achieve.

schmalz How did you end up racing in the US?

Sutherland Long long story. I am here for the atmosphere, the lifestyle, the fun, and the people. The US is relaxed and at the same time a lot less stressful. I don’t mind making less money, or being in a lower profile sport here. I’m happy with enjoying life, and even though europe is the epicenter of cycling, the US has something different that works well for me.

schmalz Do you train with a power meter? Do you care to share your training wattages or secrets or is that information classified?

Sutherland I do train with a power meter. And also race with them. Can I share them?? Maybe this is a good business idea for me. Build a website, download my files, and have a $5 viewing cost! I have been using power meters for the best part of 5 years. What I do in watts by no means constitutes what people need to do to go well. There are so many variables with power (weight, feeling, wind, height) that I think my values are important just to me. This also doesn’t mean I wouldn’t share… I time trial (on a good day) at around 400w/average. This is over 30-40kms. Sprint to a max of 1500w, and average in the high 200’s for a hard race.