schmalz You’re one of the few New York racers that can be called by just one name, you’ve reached the point of a “Cher” or a “Liberace”. What’s it like to be a living legend? Can you get a discount at local retail stores?
Wilson Everyone is known by just one name… Pollo, Pulla, Dan, Horace et al. Living Legend? Hardly, although I do get discounts at any bikeshop I go to.
schmalz Who’s this Dan guy you’re talking about? There seems to be a lot of urban legend-like stories about you—did you actually start racing on a mountain bike?
Wilson You, everyone knows Dan. You know, from NY Velocity. Anyway, yes I did start racing on a Mt. Bike with slick tires. Won a few races in the 5s and 4s and after much complaining from the “roadies” I had to get a road bike which was given to me by Michael Brower from The Sony Music team back then. (1992)
schmalz Who, me? You’re going to make me blush. It’s funny about the roadies complaining, they were probably just upset because you were beating them. Is it true you stared racing in BMX?
Wilson Yes, I was racing BMX from age 12 to 16. I think I can still pull off a tabletop on my road bike if I had a decent jump.
schmalz You have no idea how jealous that makes me. Were you successful racing BMX?
Wilson I got a bike, helmet and pads. Back then it didn’t matter we just did it for fun. I was hooked when I saw the E.T. movie.
schmalz Were you able to transfer over any of those BMX skills to road racing? I have seen you move through the pack (and move people out of your way also) for a sprint in a pretty unbelievable manner, have anyone ever got their feathers ruffled by your technique? And you’re the first person I’ve ever heard say that they got into cycling because of ET.
Wilson I think BMXing definitely helps, although the need to win could make you do some hairy stuff. Didn’t you watch that movie? The stunt guys were my idols back then Eddie Fiola, Ron Wilkerson and the Haro guy, I forgot his first name. They rode Kuwahara BMX bikes.
schmalz Competition does bring out the nuttiness, in fact, I’ve been on the receiving end of a “Wilson head nudge” before (no hard feelings in my end). Did you learn to do that or did it just come naturally? Do you know how many races you’ve won? Do you keep track?
Wilson You have? Sorry man, I don’t do that on purpose – it’s just a reflex to get to the front. I don’t keep track of wins anymore, I used to back in like the 90’s.
schmalz It’s nothing to apologize about, it was an honor to be nudged. I also remember how you and Charlie I. used to destroy the field at the FBF races a few years ago. If a break didn’t have over a minute on the field, they were doomed, as Charlie would go to the front and just bring them back in the last laps, and then you would win the field sprint. What kind of sprint do you prefer? Do you like to go from far out or do you like to come around at the line?
Wilson Those were the good ol’ days. I wish Charlie was still racing, I always knew the right thing would be done if he was there. As far as sprints, I prefer to go from about 300 meters from about 3 deep.
schmalz It’s funny that these days a lot of people look at Charlie as just a promoter and jersey maker, but in his day he was absolutely fearsome as a racer! What’s your attitude towards training? Do you use a power meter or heart rate monitor? Do you do a lot of sprint training?
Wilson I don’t use either. I just ride long and steady and a couple of rocket rides or gimbels for intensity.
schmalz You’re getting back to racing after a hiatus, what made you come back? What was the toughest part of coming back?
Wilson I guess being overweight and not having my younger children watch me race had a big impact on me. Besides everything just fits better when you are svelte and lean. The hardest part of getting back into it is not being able to even place on a local race knowing that in the past you could’ve easily hung in and outsprinted everyone. That started to change towards the end of last year and I expect this year to be my best ever. I’m much more motivated and have the resources to train longer and eat smarter.
schmalz Best year ever? That’s a little scary. What was it like to do the stage race in China?
Wilson I am so motivated that I really think it will be my best year. China was awesome just to go and see, the first stage was really hard and hilly. Those guys are in top form right now and the pace was ballistic. They usually had that stage later in the race. I got dropped in the last lap and the rule was that you couldn’t be more than a minute off the back of the main pack because the Hong Kong police could not keep the road closed for more than a minute after the main pack went by. I would go back but I highly doubt the sponsor will ask us again.
schmalz That probably made for some interesting training rides. How did you convince your wife to let you go to China during the Holidays?
Wilson She was all for it, she said I couldn’t pass up an opportunity like that. When else would I be going to China?
schmalz What was the hardest part of going to China?
Wilson Having the Chief Commissaire from Japan tell me that I couldn’t continue on to the next day.
schmalz All right you don’t have to answer this one, but what has it been like being on Mengoni since the Bunde tested positive? Do people ask you about it? What do you say?
Wilson The only annoying part has been the anonymous remarks about the rest of the team. Only 2 people have asked me about it and my answer is that “I found out at the same time everyone else did and I know as much as they do.”
schmalz It’s does stink that the rest of the team is taking shrapnel from fools. A little photographer birdie told me that you once wanted to be a “rad dog” – is this true?
Wilson Dude!! I was better than all the “Rad Dogs” combined and Marco Knows it. They got some press time on the daily news or the post and they thought that they were the shit. I rode with Dennis McCoy and got props for my tricks. Rad Dogs were bootleg. DMC was the best freestyler in the nation for like 15 years and there I was battling tricks with him in Washington Sq. Park getting my props. Yeah Boy… circa 1988
schmalz Looks like the trick battles have stayed with you guys. What’s your favorite Mr I. story?
Wilson My favorite Mr. I story would have be the way he finally put me on the team after months of asking. Basically, I was always told that if you won the Mengoni race you would automatically be on the team. Well, I did win it as a cat 3 and then in ’96 as a cat 1 both as a Sony Team member. He didn’t put me on. The next year I did the Bear Mtn. race and got away with Tim Hatfield who was the Canadian National TT Champ on Kissena. We stayed away and I finished 4th since two guys came up to us on the last lap. On that day, in the parking lot he offered me a spot.
schmalz I never heard that about the Mengoni race. Or was that a special deal between you and Mr. I.? How excited were you to get the Mengoni Colnago bike? What was your most memorable win?
Wilson Well, that’s what Charlie told me back then. I don’t know if that would work now. I was really happy to get a brand new bike and knowing that every year I would get a new one made it even better. Also, unlike some teams out there the bike you get is yours forever. Never to be asked back, which is ridiculous. We now get Jamis Bikes which I swear are much stiffer and faster than any Colnago I’ve ridden. And the best part? We get a new one every year. Along with a new Dura Ace gruppo of course.
Wilson My most memorable race was America’s Flying Mile at the Pocono Raceway which was basically a 1 mile sprint against the best sprinters in the USA and some British guys. I consisted of a series of heats to qualify for the final, ten guys, first one to the line got $3000.00. I can’t remember all the guys that were in it but I do remember that Marty Nothstein was in, he got 6th. The best part was that ESPN covered it and John Eustice was the interviewer. I still watch it when I need motivation.
schmalz I always enjoyed it when Nothstein would come to town and got beat by the local guys. Why do you think he never had any success against you guys?
Wilson Well, I only beat him twice. We raced together at The Hills of Sommerset race and Jeff Louder won on a breakaway while Marty and I sprinted for 2nd and he smoked me. He definitely beat me more than I did him.
schmalz Didn’t you beat him at the Mengoni race?
Wilson Si Senor. Marco has pictures.
schmalz I heard during your last Mengoni win, you weren’t feeling so great, what happened that day?
Wilson My last win I felt fine but I knew Pollo was sprinting better than me and knew he would win. I was on his wheel during the leadout but the first guy slid out taking El Pollo and a few of the front guys out with him which left me in the front. Some guys went around it at full speed, I had to break and restart. I passed two guys for the win with 10 meters to go.
schmalz What made you take a break from racing a few years back?
Wilson Because I got bored with bike racing and got a boat. I was having loads of fun with my new found free time. Then the inevitable happened. My gut grew and I looked like a slob.
schmalz It’s funny how cycling always seems to suck people back in.
Wilson Yep. There was an article on Velonews a few months ago which basically described what happened to me. It was sent in by someone who went through the same thing.
schmalz Do you think you’ll ever quit again?
Wilson No!! I will race in the 65 & over class. How old is Jim Boyd?
One of my favorite racers to come out of nyc.
Is that an Electra?
Yes, it is. I have one myself.
Wilson meet you on the steps for lunch – a lite lunch.
Maybe just a bannan.
I’ll be happy to help you out whenever I can!
did wilson really win the spring series years ago on mountain bike? That is awesome .
Knobbies and all?
I remember when he cleaned McCarthys clock that was awesome too.
nice interview. looking forward to the comeback
Nice ummm start but dont you think he deserves a real interview?
that interview was lame, Wilson was a total bad ass on the bike, show some respect and ask him what it was like kicking Nothsteins ass in a street sprint at Pocono Raceway when he was reigning world sprint champ
What area are you working in? Where you selling houses?
Nyack and Piermont area
Hardly a ‘lame ‘ interview. It showed wit and warmth, genuine sides of Wilson that few have the opportunity to enjoy. If Wilson didn’t respect Mihael he would never have been so candid. Also, Mihael only talked about what everyone else was saying…behind Wilson’s back.
Yes, Wilson won a Spring Series on a mtn bike( the only thing he owned), I think twice in a row. Then his field complained he was ‘cheating ‘. So he was forced to procure a lighter and more effecient frame. The rest is history. A history we can only hope the famed interviewer Campocat will obtained.
Thanks, Mihael. And thanks Wilson. Both for the interview, and your terrific career.
You expect us to know Rod Stewart songs?
…and the fact that you used a Rod Stewart song to flame Kwk shows your judgement is suspect.
The bike he’s posing with is an Electra Rally Sport, and it’s a dope bike. I own a blue sparkle one with a springer fork and 3 internal speeds. They’re amazing bikes. Compared to what we ride and race on, they’re un-bikes. Bikes to really have fun and let loose on. Try one: you’ll be surprised! (Ask Schmalz! Which model do you own, Schmalz? Weigh in.)
Electra Deluxe 3-speed with coaster brake – silver and white
Wilson is amazing. That Poconos event was a great ride, and nowadays if he is even in half-shape he can own Central Park sprints. Atkins+Wilson=trouble. Great bike handler too.
Nice, classic ride, Schmalz. Have you seen their new website (www.electrabike.com)? At last, they have a real-deal site with real specs and details that do the machines justice.
I love my Electra. I’ve put the child seat on the back, and I have a nice bell and some sweet eight ball inner tube caps. That’s how I roll.
when i first moved up here Wilson was at his peak, he was really amazing to watch during a race. I get it that the interview was just for fun, i bet Wilson has some incredible stories to tell. i will check out the other interview. thanks
Wilson added this in the interview, but I forgot to add it as it was not one of my questions. "My wife is expecting a girl on August 25th. Well, me too."
congrats wilson! i just had a baby girl.
You’s a stylin’ daddy(-o), Schmalzy, fo’ shizzle. Ain’t Electra Love just terrific? I used to look at bikes like these as b.s., but I was young and dumb then. I can now appreciate them for what they are: plain ol’ phun and phlash on two wheels.
Never underestimate the joy of a coaster brake.
that’s my boy!!!
These interviews of local riders are my favorite thing about this site.
exactly, but as you get older the difference between a fit amateur racer and a fat slob is dramatic. Common sense. More about quality of life than longetivity.
uh oh, jp…you just used the phrase “common sense”…want to wager on how long it will take jt to start attacking your “logic”?
that was a 1/2 joking comment. some of us (myself included) are motivated to train to avoid getting *fat* while noting there are dramatic differences between racer *fat* and normal guy *fat*.
i guess the premise for my poorly worded and timed wit are longstanding theories that racing at the elite level leads to body image disorders, eating disorders and screwed up senses of self worth based on body composition. Baden Cooke has been rumored to have suffered from symptoms related to eating disorders. Nicole Cooke has spoken out numerous times against being pressured to lose weight by cycling’s culture and even those in positions of authority (director, coach, etc.)
so forget i said it. back to wilson – he’s a great racer. carry on, carry on.
Walter, all JP/JT arguments will end with ‘where’s my money’ on one end and silence on the other.
Dan?
but you can’t compare us local racers, even highly accomplished ones, with the pros. You don’t need to be skinny to win here either. But nothing wrong with eating right.
and yes, great interview.
JP you are totally right, pros take far more drugs.
You see I said, “far more,” insinuating locals take drugs. drugs drugs drugs. NO HELMET!
JP, can you please just make it clap?
http://www.velocitynation.com/pictures/image/wilson2.jpg
That is funny.
Wilson’s done some amazing stuff. At the local level I remember at Floyd once the race was over. My team had a guy 20 seconds off the front with a K to go and he wasn’t slowing down. And Wilson just flew out of the field and won.
I got to watch that Flying Mile in the Poconos and it was pretty amazing.
Wilson = mad bike handling skills + serious power
once (tried to) follow him up Flatbush after FBF. It was impressive to watch.
the thing is, there are guys who do similar stuff to Wilson but they look (and are) hectic and out of control.
Wilson does it smooth.
and we were kids. lots of great memories.
of Wilson wanting to hang with us.(rad dogs) we were the best in the city.and you knew it Wilson.
Hey Wilson. who did you learn to do foward tailwips,Miami hopers from. oh thats right you can’t do a Miami hoper still.
my best memory of wilson wining in the park has to be. betting MC at the Mangoni race MC brought the entire Saturn team to work for him
Mark MCcormack Shawn Wallace corrent
Hour holder at the time. it was a beautifully thing to watch the Saturn train lead the last lap and you new the one of those pro will win. but it was go to see to underdog win…SWEET
OK Wilson I’ll let you be an honorary rad dog
Hey Wilson Battle,Battle, I still have my (Bob)Haro Master.
Nice interview.Cher…oh I mean Dan
Cheers
MQ
I think anyone who called himself a ‘rad dog’ was, by definition, not cool. Thats ok though marco – you are cool now – and take great pictures.
What year did wilson start racing road and bmx?
How old is Wilson?
Otherwise good interview, thank you
You must post the video of the pocono race way sprint !! i was there Nothstien was the world sprint champ, the british guy was Malcolm Elliott (tour of spain stage winner)
He was having increasing problems with MS over the past few years.
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/index.html
I have the video of it but it’s in VHS tape form. I can’t even beging to know how to translate that into a posted video.
Ok dont forget we were 14,15,16 it was 20 years ago. it was the 80’s that was the name of the team.I didnt call myself the rad dogs.
and dude at 15 I was cool I had long hair
didnt wear glasses I even wore bell bottoms. DUDE I was cool.
hey can Wilson do a Gturn or a double decade. I dont think so.
hey wilson,
I could do that for you if you need it. no prob.
Hey Riis, I’m leaving to AZ for a week tomorrow and when I get back I’ll get it to you. Or if you ride thru Piermont let me know.
Besides the poseur in the Stars and Stripes who are the other Mengoni riders? Mengoni yellow?
Oscar and Juan Pinada Brothers
when you get back from AZ I can get the tape maybe on the Rocket Ride or Spring Series
Why didn’t wilson ever go pro?
Seems he had more talent than someone like Herriot in his little pinky.
Uhm, becuase he did not want to live off of $20K a year and beg for living arrangements, perhaps?
http://gsmengoniusa.com/aboutus.htm
http://www.jt10000.com/team/tgal/mengoni981.htm
I saw video of an interview with Wilson at Harriman right after the race, I think the year Mazur won. Wilson has this steely intense look in his eyes saying how much he loves that race.
Any plans on a Wilson Vasquez action figure?I’d buy one.Man crush…lol
$20k a year???
Are you kidding me?
Try $2k…what dream world you living in?
You gotta be top tier to get $20k.
Many pros race for $0-6k.
…or just get a friend to do it…
For most of us racing is more about comradery, and (apparently) about keeping out waist size in check, and less or not at all about the pro equipment our teams/sponsors supply us with. That said, it is super cool that Mengoni supports its rider the way it does…the bikes are yours forever…I only got one “free” bike from one team in my life…I was a junior, it was a custom build Independent Fabrication: 56 seat tube 54 top tube, and the manager took it back when the team disbanded…I was totally bikeless and he didn
Another public service provided by the hosts.
back when there was one, Wilson would routinely hop off road on his mtn bik to move up faster…cats paw, tavern, anywhere.
I hope Wilson does have his best year ever, it will be fun to see sprint wins with time gaps again…
Thanks for all the possitive feedback guys. I was a little skeptical when Dan asked me to give an interview. Good advice Jones, I never thought about that. The time on my VCR is still blinking. The DVD is easier to operate. And for the record Marco couldn’t even do a wheelie back in the days.
are you some sorta communist, dante?
I now know what wheel I’ll be following, if I can…thanks for the workouts,see on the rocket sprints for now! They help me push harder!!! erggggg
Hey anonymous a** hole, here
Nice interview. I really like this feature on the site. Now, how about that JJ interview?
It’s amazing how that word is still so offensive in America.
But Dante, I think he was referring to the spelling.
Cool interview. I was at Jamestown in the Pro1-3 race and saw you sprint to a podium. I am sure this question is asked all the time but what was it like racing with Big George H? Good? Bad? Did he ever lead you out?
wait … are you seeing my sarcasm, and then re-raising and going all-in with sarcasm of your own? lemme know. if not i’ll shoot you an email.
http://www.racingunion.org/Document.aspx?propaganda
and rolls…
are you happy with the way Mengoni handled the drug affair? i found the whole position they took rather puzzling and it’s never sat right with me. perhaps you guys are getting shrapnel because the “official word” was basically a lame ass excuse that didn’t appease anyone.
Hi everyone.
The official word basically said that:
–It was in his body (no doubt),
–We’re not certain how it got there (perhaps it was in the supplements),
–Regardless of how it got there, he’s responsible,
–He has accepted the responsibility,
–He’ll do what he can in the future.
I’m not sure what more you’d expect.
I would have seen your sarcasm if you would have included your name. Then I could have identified you as a friend that was joking…
This site is not a closed circle like the crca yahoo group…plenty of
Wow, that’s some anger. But I’m pretty sure it’s not Jason Schneider– he’s not likely to write something that dopey.
Hey Jason Didnt we kicked you out of this site.
infact you are not allow to use the computer at all
Eugene, sticking to the facts is one thing but everyone that presents the “facts” in this case likes to throw in, just as you did, this little part about “perhaps it was in the supplements”. That’s the Lame-A$$ part about it. That is a potentially serious legal claim. Has anyone followed up with the FDA to pursue that claim? If not, why? Is it because it’s a bogus claim or because he’s ok with being incorrectly labeled a doper when there is a clear path for attempting to clear his name?
I dont know any of the guys on the team but do know alot of guys at the track felt cheated out by all of Jared’s wins. These wins took away from potential upgrade points etc etc. I think many of us would like to get Jared’s story as he promised months ago.
As for Mengoni, they should be viewed as all clean until proven otherwise. Best of luck in 2008 and glad to see you are giving some youngins a shot. Almonte seems to have a real future in the sport.
What does a “real future” in this sport mean? A chance to forgo college and a career, in order to drive around the country, with some domestic pro team, doing pointless races year after year only to look back at age 30 and think,
Wow some didnt forget to take his bitter pills this AM. 🙂
Now Jason….Get Out….Get Out
Well maybe a real future simply means a successful local racing career or maybe more. Who knows? I wish I pursued my passion for bike racing when I was younger. You can always go back to school and enter corporate america after you fizzle out – take Wilson for instance. But you cant always go back and race your bike in your prime years. Youth is ussually wasted on the young.
Many of the top young semi-pros are in college now and race in in the spring and summer. So being a top level regional pro does not mean giving up school and a career.
Toni, your comment is completely subjective and slanted. Looking back on a life lived, the individual will decide its worth. Many people who followed the accepted plan in life are deeply disappointed. And now it’s too late for them too.
“…cycling turned me into a selfish loser.”
The same can be said about many other career paths.
If I had the chance to go back in time and ride for a small pro team after high school I would have put off college. I would give up corporate america to do this. There is a small window to live out certain dreams. We all have a long time to work for the man.
this nation has a relenting way of pushing everyone toward work. work, work, work. it’s a sad thing that pursing a passion is considered by many to be a waste of time.
Toni’s comment was sorta bitter sounding and maybe extreme, but not totally off base. I support any young athlete who wants to ‘give it a shot’ at a sport, as long as the person has some realistic skill level. Still, knowing what I now know about cycling, it seems imperative that we educate the young people about the reality of cycling as a career – that there is not much of a ‘career’ to be had. It should be carefully weighed against other opportunities, and perhaps treated accordingly. Any time off taken from a career track should be measured for results, and limited in time frame. The fact is, its hard to get a job in the most competitive fields if you spend many years riding a bike with little to show for it aside from a few podiums at races no normal American has heard of. Fair to say that a Tour rider might enhance a resume in a corporate setting – like an olympian. But also fair to guess that a guy who becomes an average domestic pro is more likely damaging career prospects than helping them. If you have no aspirations to enter the professional fields, its clearly different – and I wouldnt judge negatively. The key is having the eyes open in a major decision like this.
i don’t think it is selfish. cycling, like any activity, fits into the economic engine itself. our activities benefit equipment retailers, advertisers, revenue is raised by CRCA, USAcycling, etc.
the value of it, on a whole, isn’t much though…and that’s clearly reflected in the poor salaries of pro-riders.
cycling’s pretty selfish. but then again, so is reading.
the problem is not so much that reading or cyling is selfish, it’s rather that ‘selfishness’ has an undeserved, negative connotation
there should be no shame in self-interest, or a moral system based on self-interest.
this is a world wide trend, now even increasingly in Europe.
“this nation has a relenting way of pushing everyone toward work. work, work, work”
athletes do give, they inspire us, no matter if regional, national or world class, others look up to them. If a proathlete is not a financial burden (on welfare), what right do you have to judge his success or selfishness? All this “productive” crap does sound like communist 😉
Lets not confuse the Hobbesian political philosophy of self-interest (acting to further your own interest in society by working for your own good) with the selfish act of riding your bike instead of, say, playing with your kids to help them grow, or working extra hours to earn money. Two different things. Nothing wrong with riding your bike, but at least lets admit it isnt really helping anybody much. The bike shop wins when you buy the bike, but not so much if you ride 1 hr a week vs 25 hrs a week.
The point that inspiration factor needs to be considered is valid. Still, harder for me (local amateur vs pro) to justify my riding in this context. Not sure who Im inspiring really while easy to see who Im pissing off by being out on the bike all the time…
Surely everyone posting comments is not their company’s CEO and not everyone has gone to an Ivy League School. My Point is, not everyone makes it to the absolute pinnacle of what they pursue. Is it better to be a mediocre manager than average pro cyclist? Better or not, it
chris m, im pretty sure im not confusing Hobbesian political philosophy here. you may be, if you see a distinction, but that’s your business. as far as i can tell, Hobbes’ philosophy consisted of pouncing on calvin as soon as he got hoem from school, and generally being as lazy as possible in most other situations. he also seemed a lot less conflicted about his affections for susie.
Grape ape. Grape ape.
Sports in general are great for kids. Great for social and physical development.
Cycling offers fewer opportunities for college than the “major” sports because it is not a NCAA sport but collegiate cycling is growing.
I hear that cycling is even helping some CRCA juniors with college acceptances.
College vs. cycling career is not an “either” “or” choice.
Send that Pocono video to Andy and get that thing up on the site!
I agree with Walter. These interviews On local riders are one of the best features on this site. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
And yes the cycling is helping some of us Juniors with the College Process and Scholarships.
Hey, I thought Edmund Burke and Jim Fixx, died- what is going on here?
Send that Pocono video to Andy and get that thing up on the site!
I agree with Walter. These interviews On local riders are one of the best features on this site. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
And yes the cycling is helping some of us Juniors with the College Process and Scholarships.
Hey, I thought Edmund Burke and Jim Fixx, died- what is going on here?
Grape ape. Grape ape.
Sports in general are great for kids. Great for social and physical development.
Cycling offers fewer opportunities for college than the “major” sports because it is not a NCAA sport but collegiate cycling is growing.
I hear that cycling is even helping some CRCA juniors with college acceptances.
College vs. cycling career is not an “either” “or” choice.
chris m, im pretty sure im not confusing Hobbesian political philosophy here. you may be, if you see a distinction, but that’s your business. as far as i can tell, Hobbes’ philosophy consisted of pouncing on calvin as soon as he got hoem from school, and generally being as lazy as possible in most other situations. he also seemed a lot less conflicted about his affections for susie.
Surely everyone posting comments is not their company’s CEO and not everyone has gone to an Ivy League School. My Point is, not everyone makes it to the absolute pinnacle of what they pursue. Is it better to be a mediocre manager than average pro cyclist? Better or not, it
athletes do give, they inspire us, no matter if regional, national or world class, others look up to them. If a proathlete is not a financial burden (on welfare), what right do you have to judge his success or selfishness? All this “productive” crap does sound like communist 😉
Lets not confuse the Hobbesian political philosophy of self-interest (acting to further your own interest in society by working for your own good) with the selfish act of riding your bike instead of, say, playing with your kids to help them grow, or working extra hours to earn money. Two different things. Nothing wrong with riding your bike, but at least lets admit it isnt really helping anybody much. The bike shop wins when you buy the bike, but not so much if you ride 1 hr a week vs 25 hrs a week.
The point that inspiration factor needs to be considered is valid. Still, harder for me (local amateur vs pro) to justify my riding in this context. Not sure who Im inspiring really while easy to see who Im pissing off by being out on the bike all the time…
this is a world wide trend, now even increasingly in Europe.
“this nation has a relenting way of pushing everyone toward work. work, work, work”
cycling’s pretty selfish. but then again, so is reading.
the problem is not so much that reading or cyling is selfish, it’s rather that ‘selfishness’ has an undeserved, negative connotation
there should be no shame in self-interest, or a moral system based on self-interest.
i don’t think it is selfish. cycling, like any activity, fits into the economic engine itself. our activities benefit equipment retailers, advertisers, revenue is raised by CRCA, USAcycling, etc.
the value of it, on a whole, isn’t much though…and that’s clearly reflected in the poor salaries of pro-riders.
this nation has a relenting way of pushing everyone toward work. work, work, work. it’s a sad thing that pursing a passion is considered by many to be a waste of time.
Toni’s comment was sorta bitter sounding and maybe extreme, but not totally off base. I support any young athlete who wants to ‘give it a shot’ at a sport, as long as the person has some realistic skill level. Still, knowing what I now know about cycling, it seems imperative that we educate the young people about the reality of cycling as a career – that there is not much of a ‘career’ to be had. It should be carefully weighed against other opportunities, and perhaps treated accordingly. Any time off taken from a career track should be measured for results, and limited in time frame. The fact is, its hard to get a job in the most competitive fields if you spend many years riding a bike with little to show for it aside from a few podiums at races no normal American has heard of. Fair to say that a Tour rider might enhance a resume in a corporate setting – like an olympian. But also fair to guess that a guy who becomes an average domestic pro is more likely damaging career prospects than helping them. If you have no aspirations to enter the professional fields, its clearly different – and I wouldnt judge negatively. The key is having the eyes open in a major decision like this.
If I had the chance to go back in time and ride for a small pro team after high school I would have put off college. I would give up corporate america to do this. There is a small window to live out certain dreams. We all have a long time to work for the man.
Many of the top young semi-pros are in college now and race in in the spring and summer. So being a top level regional pro does not mean giving up school and a career.
Toni, your comment is completely subjective and slanted. Looking back on a life lived, the individual will decide its worth. Many people who followed the accepted plan in life are deeply disappointed. And now it’s too late for them too.
“…cycling turned me into a selfish loser.”
The same can be said about many other career paths.
Well maybe a real future simply means a successful local racing career or maybe more. Who knows? I wish I pursued my passion for bike racing when I was younger. You can always go back to school and enter corporate america after you fizzle out – take Wilson for instance. But you cant always go back and race your bike in your prime years. Youth is ussually wasted on the young.
Wow some didnt forget to take his bitter pills this AM. 🙂
Now Jason….Get Out….Get Out
I dont know any of the guys on the team but do know alot of guys at the track felt cheated out by all of Jared’s wins. These wins took away from potential upgrade points etc etc. I think many of us would like to get Jared’s story as he promised months ago.
As for Mengoni, they should be viewed as all clean until proven otherwise. Best of luck in 2008 and glad to see you are giving some youngins a shot. Almonte seems to have a real future in the sport.
What does a “real future” in this sport mean? A chance to forgo college and a career, in order to drive around the country, with some domestic pro team, doing pointless races year after year only to look back at age 30 and think,
Eugene, sticking to the facts is one thing but everyone that presents the “facts” in this case likes to throw in, just as you did, this little part about “perhaps it was in the supplements”. That’s the Lame-A$$ part about it. That is a potentially serious legal claim. Has anyone followed up with the FDA to pursue that claim? If not, why? Is it because it’s a bogus claim or because he’s ok with being incorrectly labeled a doper when there is a clear path for attempting to clear his name?
Hey Jason Didnt we kicked you out of this site.
infact you are not allow to use the computer at all
Wow, that’s some anger. But I’m pretty sure it’s not Jason Schneider– he’s not likely to write something that dopey.
Hardly! I believe Wilson took himself out of Mengoni GP about 2yrs ago when he hit a bump and went down like a sack of potatoes, subsequently landing in a hospital. Wilson was a local champion on a regional scale, hardly a threat beyond CP and Gimbles. The only local riders ever make it were George Hincapie and Peter Salon. But most of you local NYC guys are so far stuck up your ass that you dont even consider those guys local. Get a life people!!!
Hardly! I believe Wilson took himself out of Mengoni GP about 2yrs ago when he hit a bump and went down like a sack of potatoes, subsequently landing in a hospital. Wilson was a local champion on a regional scale, hardly a threat beyond CP and Gimbles. The only local riders ever make it were George Hincapie and Peter Salon. But most of you local NYC guys are so far stuck up your ass that you dont even consider those guys local. Get a life people!!!
“a lame ass excuse that didn’t appease anyone”
If you expect to be appeased, then you’re asking to be lied to. Politicians appease.
I think management tried to explain it factually. But I realize it’s a matter of belief and trust. 5:15, I suppose that’s where you and many others are coming from. And it’s understandable.
I would have seen your sarcasm if you would have included your name. Then I could have identified you as a friend that was joking…
This site is not a closed circle like the crca yahoo group…plenty of
Hi everyone.
The official word basically said that:
–It was in his body (no doubt),
–We’re not certain how it got there (perhaps it was in the supplements),
–Regardless of how it got there, he’s responsible,
–He has accepted the responsibility,
–He’ll do what he can in the future.
I’m not sure what more you’d expect.
http://www.racingunion.org/Document.aspx?propaganda
and rolls…
are you happy with the way Mengoni handled the drug affair? i found the whole position they took rather puzzling and it’s never sat right with me. perhaps you guys are getting shrapnel because the “official word” was basically a lame ass excuse that didn’t appease anyone.
wait … are you seeing my sarcasm, and then re-raising and going all-in with sarcasm of your own? lemme know. if not i’ll shoot you an email.
It’s amazing how that word is still so offensive in America.
But Dante, I think he was referring to the spelling.
Cool interview. I was at Jamestown in the Pro1-3 race and saw you sprint to a podium. I am sure this question is asked all the time but what was it like racing with Big George H? Good? Bad? Did he ever lead you out?
Another public service provided by the hosts.
back when there was one, Wilson would routinely hop off road on his mtn bik to move up faster…cats paw, tavern, anywhere.
I hope Wilson does have his best year ever, it will be fun to see sprint wins with time gaps again…
Thanks for all the possitive feedback guys. I was a little skeptical when Dan asked me to give an interview. Good advice Jones, I never thought about that. The time on my VCR is still blinking. The DVD is easier to operate. And for the record Marco couldn’t even do a wheelie back in the days.
are you some sorta communist, dante?
I now know what wheel I’ll be following, if I can…thanks for the workouts,see on the rocket sprints for now! They help me push harder!!! erggggg
Hey anonymous a** hole, here
Nice interview. I really like this feature on the site. Now, how about that JJ interview?
…or just get a friend to do it…
For most of us racing is more about comradery, and (apparently) about keeping out waist size in check, and less or not at all about the pro equipment our teams/sponsors supply us with. That said, it is super cool that Mengoni supports its rider the way it does…the bikes are yours forever…I only got one “free” bike from one team in my life…I was a junior, it was a custom build Independent Fabrication: 56 seat tube 54 top tube, and the manager took it back when the team disbanded…I was totally bikeless and he didn
“I have the video of it but it’s in VHS tape form. I can’t even beging to know how to translate that into a posted video.”
Get a cheap ass dvd recorder from Walmart for ~$45 then play te tape on your tv while recording it on the dvd if possible…then stick the dvd into your computer and and save it onto a file…the upload that on to RedTube.com
$20k a year???
Are you kidding me?
Try $2k…what dream world you living in?
You gotta be top tier to get $20k.
Many pros race for $0-6k.
Any plans on a Wilson Vasquez action figure?I’d buy one.Man crush…lol
I saw video of an interview with Wilson at Harriman right after the race, I think the year Mazur won. Wilson has this steely intense look in his eyes saying how much he loves that race.
http://www.jt10000.com/team/tgal/mengoni981.htm
Why didn’t wilson ever go pro?
Seems he had more talent than someone like Herriot in his little pinky.
Uhm, becuase he did not want to live off of $20K a year and beg for living arrangements, perhaps?
http://gsmengoniusa.com/aboutus.htm
Besides the poseur in the Stars and Stripes who are the other Mengoni riders? Mengoni yellow?
Oscar and Juan Pinada Brothers
when you get back from AZ I can get the tape maybe on the Rocket Ride or Spring Series
hey wilson,
I could do that for you if you need it. no prob.
Hey Riis, I’m leaving to AZ for a week tomorrow and when I get back I’ll get it to you. Or if you ride thru Piermont let me know.
Ok dont forget we were 14,15,16 it was 20 years ago. it was the 80’s that was the name of the team.I didnt call myself the rad dogs.
and dude at 15 I was cool I had long hair
didnt wear glasses I even wore bell bottoms. DUDE I was cool.
hey can Wilson do a Gturn or a double decade. I dont think so.
He was having increasing problems with MS over the past few years.
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/index.html
I have the video of it but it’s in VHS tape form. I can’t even beging to know how to translate that into a posted video.
You must post the video of the pocono race way sprint !! i was there Nothstien was the world sprint champ, the british guy was Malcolm Elliott (tour of spain stage winner)
What year did wilson start racing road and bmx?
How old is Wilson?
Otherwise good interview, thank you
I think anyone who called himself a ‘rad dog’ was, by definition, not cool. Thats ok though marco – you are cool now – and take great pictures.
and we were kids. lots of great memories.
of Wilson wanting to hang with us.(rad dogs) we were the best in the city.and you knew it Wilson.
Hey Wilson. who did you learn to do foward tailwips,Miami hopers from. oh thats right you can’t do a Miami hoper still.
my best memory of wilson wining in the park has to be. betting MC at the Mangoni race MC brought the entire Saturn team to work for him
Mark MCcormack Shawn Wallace corrent
Hour holder at the time. it was a beautifully thing to watch the Saturn train lead the last lap and you new the one of those pro will win. but it was go to see to underdog win…SWEET
OK Wilson I’ll let you be an honorary rad dog
Hey Wilson Battle,Battle, I still have my (Bob)Haro Master.
Nice interview.Cher…oh I mean Dan
Cheers
MQ
once (tried to) follow him up Flatbush after FBF. It was impressive to watch.
the thing is, there are guys who do similar stuff to Wilson but they look (and are) hectic and out of control.
Wilson does it smooth.
That is funny.
Wilson’s done some amazing stuff. At the local level I remember at Floyd once the race was over. My team had a guy 20 seconds off the front with a K to go and he wasn’t slowing down. And Wilson just flew out of the field and won.
I got to watch that Flying Mile in the Poconos and it was pretty amazing.
Wilson = mad bike handling skills + serious power
that was the actual bike and clothing wilson wore when he won the cat 4 races in prospect park.
picture was taken right before he was tackled and made passionate love with / was raped by (depending on your point of view) ugli.
gulla then picked up wilson’s bike, proceeded to chase down the 123 field, pass the 123 field, catch the 123 break, pass the 123 break, win the race, tabletopped the brookln bridge, landed, and pedaled so furiously that he stopped and then reveresed the earth’s rotation – thereby causing time to go backwards – and instead of catching the respective CRCA C, B, and A packs and breaks, he just brought them back to him. he was yodeling the entire time.
Great interview with a great rider. If you want to learn how to race in Central Park, follow Wilson around for a few laps. It’s like a master class in pack positioning and how to conserve energy. You do not see winners like Wilson hammering on the front staring down at their power meters.
http://www.velocitynation.com/pictures/image/wilson2.jpg
It’s does stink that the rest of the team is taking shrapnel from fools
JP, can you please just make it clap?
You see I said, “far more,” insinuating locals take drugs. drugs drugs drugs. NO HELMET!
JP you are totally right, pros take far more drugs.
but you can’t compare us local racers, even highly accomplished ones, with the pros. You don’t need to be skinny to win here either. But nothing wrong with eating right.
and yes, great interview.
Walter, all JP/JT arguments will end with ‘where’s my money’ on one end and silence on the other.
Dan?
that was a 1/2 joking comment. some of us (myself included) are motivated to train to avoid getting *fat* while noting there are dramatic differences between racer *fat* and normal guy *fat*.
i guess the premise for my poorly worded and timed wit are longstanding theories that racing at the elite level leads to body image disorders, eating disorders and screwed up senses of self worth based on body composition. Baden Cooke has been rumored to have suffered from symptoms related to eating disorders. Nicole Cooke has spoken out numerous times against being pressured to lose weight by cycling’s culture and even those in positions of authority (director, coach, etc.)
so forget i said it. back to wilson – he’s a great racer. carry on, carry on.
uh oh, jp…you just used the phrase “common sense”…want to wager on how long it will take jt to start attacking your “logic”?
exactly, but as you get older the difference between a fit amateur racer and a fat slob is dramatic. Common sense. More about quality of life than longetivity.
There is no evidence at all for JP’s comment. No studies show that training for racing at a high level will do anything to extend your life.
We totally back JP’s comments. Training will guarantee you a long healthy life.
Don’t believe in studies, they keep changing every year.
When I train I feel stronger, more focused at work and generally happier. I think that’s enough to make you live longer.
“Because I got bored with bike racing […] My gut grew and I looked like a slob.”
reaffirming the theory that bike racers are fueled by eating/body image disorders..
what an idiotic comment. There is nothing disordered about taking care of your body as you get older, or eating well. Maybe racing will keep him around, heathly, for his kids.
These interviews of local riders are my favorite thing about this site.
Yeah, I remember the Rad Dogs showed up on our turf. They were all dressed in powder blue & pink Hutch Freestyle kits (that was “awesome” at the time) and boy were they arrogant. Pete, LB, Carnell, and I called them the Wack Dogs. Later on we all met and they turned out to be a good bunch of guys, yes even Marco. Wilson its good to see your still racing. I gave it up almost as quickly as I started when I began getting back and neck pains. Dude your a legend! I like to brag about you when your name gets dropped.
Sherard