Interview: Linda Sone

by Corey Coogan
October 3, 2007

In just the three short years that Linda Sone has been cycling, she's made quite a name for herself in the Midwest. Best known for her cyclocross skills, she raced her first CX Nationals in 2005, in her very first season of CX! Last fall, her second CX season for those counting, Sone took the runner-up spot at the CX Nationals 35-39 race. This past summer, Sone finished third in the 30-34 time trial at Master's Nationals in Seven Springs, PA. Look for Sone, of the Ridley Factory Team, to compete against Linda Cooper for Minnesota Cycling Federation 2007 Cyclocross Rider of the Year.

 

1. When did you begin bike racing? How did you get into it?
   I started in the cycling scene by doing water bottle hand-ups for my husband, Daniel Casper (GrandStay Cycling Team) at his road races. Watching him race inspired me. Well, somebody must have told somebody because that Christmas, my parents-in-law gave me a Trek 5200 road bike. I started training that spring and entered my first Black Dog time trial in 2005.
2. How long have you been doing CX for? How did you get started at CX?
   This is another case where I was inspired by the energy of someone else's love of the sport. In the fall of 2005, a good friend, Eike Mrosek, built up my first Ridley CX bike. That day he showed me the basic moves and said, “Why not race Boom Island CX race tomorrow?” Why the heck not, I thought. But I remember watching his little butt hit the saddle and he'd say “It doesn't hurt, just tense up your ass!" And so I did...
3. How have you developed as a cyclist? Have you been coached? Who or what has been important to your development?
   There was a period where I decided to no longer be a runner. Instead of running 5 days a week and biking for 1, I switched the numbers around. This was a neat experience. Immediately, the world opened up. I saw towns that I never would have set foot into. Over time, the rides got longer and I hit the hills with more commitment. It was in 2006 that I went full bore into racing crits and road. I owe it to the men and women I've raced against for making me a better competitor. I have a special place in my heart for those that got me out of my comfort zone. Professionally, I sought coaching expertise from John Seifert and Gordy Paulson. Currently, John helps with an overall program and Gordy helps with pre-race training the weeks before bigger races.
4. What are your favorite CX races in the Midwest and why?
   Locally, I like the Spirit Mtn race because it reminds me of 2005 and 2006 Nationals in Providence, RI. Also the St. Cloud, Hub, Powderhorn, Hudson, Boom Island, Rum River, and the State races (starting this yr, Silver Cycling is designing the State course) have been a good challenges and fun. Out of state, Jingle CX has a high wattage hill run up and Boulder brings you to altitude on a course design that has it all: sand pit, single track, technical sand dunes, fast pavement and man made hill/bridge made with wood. The Wisconsin Sun Prairie course is fun too. Someday maybe they'll have the finishing loop on the dirt race track.
   

   

5. What would you say to encourage more women to do CX?
   If you're turned off with the competitiveness/team tactic-natured/maybe dangerous aspects of the road scene, CX is different. You're on the grass mostly, races are 45 minutes tops, it's a superb workout–it does the body good–and best of all, the atmosphere in CX is happy with happy people with beverages, food, and cowbells. Also, CX starts at a time when you get to ride in the leaves and watch the seasons change. In my opinion, CX and track racing/riding (in Blaine) have something a little more to offer than some of the other disciplines in cycling. To get started on the track, excellent track classes are available from the spring until fall in Blaine. And for CX, there are clinics to go check out: the Hub skill ride on Tuesdays and Boom Island skill ride on Wednesdays. Start there and work yourself up, up, up.
6. How many CX National Championships have you been to? Describe your experiences at Nationals.
   My first Nationals was in 2005. I was pretty star-struck by all the famous faces. Then, the weather turned for the worse and every inch of the course was covered with ice. I remember standing at the top of one of the descents watching people bite it, sliding off of their bikes, and thinking, “What the heck did I get myself into?” I was freaked. Luckily the temps warmed up above freezing and it became mud pie. I had people slide into me and vice versa and even endoed over a root. It was a good time. 2006 had temps in the 50s and was fast and dry. The light bulb must have clicked on from the year before because the technical parts weren’t that bad at all. I prerode the course and it just flowed a lot better come race day.
7. What are your goals for the remainder of '07?
   A great goal would be to stay healthy and not get sick. Be aware and enjoy my surroundings while racing. Another would be to start off the season easy peasy and finish every race. I hope to race: all of the MN CX's, 1 Wisconsin race, Jingle CX, 1 USGP event, and Nationals.
   

   

8. What do you do for work, and how do you fit in your training around it?
   Starting at the turn of the year, I will be on the 48 hour shift (working as a firefighter for Minneapolis). Up until now, the 24 hour shift was the work schedule. I see work like an all day interval workout. First you’re 20 beats above resting heart rate doing normal in-house station stuff. All of a sudden, you’re at lactate threshold carrying up a hose bundle with full turnout gear on. We go to all 911 calls so sometimes just the adrenaline rush feels like a good workout. Every station has a workout area, so I try to do a few hours on the trainer each shift. Sometimes the crew will go out for a run and the fire truck will follow us so that we can still respond when we get a call.
9. Describe your training year. What is an average week like in February, May, July, and October?
   February, I build base miles into March. Races start shortly thereafter and you can find a race for practically every weekend until CX ends. A new routine I'm incorporating in 2008 will be the Velodrome. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a new track bike because it's so fun training and racing in Blaine.