MTB and Cyclocross Champion Todd Wells Officially Named to the Olympic Team - Again! 

Way to Live Young Todd! 

I contacted him for a brief interview on motivation.  Mountain biking is grueling, yet Todd remains focused and successful. 

What inspired you to follow your passion as a pro-mountain biker?  In other words, why didn't you get a cubicle and real job like your peers?

I did get a real job for a little while. I worked for IBM when I was finishing school in Tucson and worked there full time when I graduated. I didn't have a real passion for it like I did for cycling so I decided to give racing another try. From that point on I was 100% committed to making it happen in cycling.

What keeps you motivated to train?

I really enjoy riding my bike. I love to be outside and I love to fit. Being a professional cyclist I get to do both so keeping that lifestyle keeps me motivated. I also want to be the best I can so that gets me out there on those cold, wet days.

Will you train differently for the Olympics?

I have a lot of important races before the Olympics and I won't be doing any specific training for the games. I will be going to a training camp on an island off of South Korea 2 weeks before the games to get use to the humidity and time zone.

How did you control pre-race jitters for your previous Olympic race?

The Olympics is a strange race. Everyone is excited to race and nervous but there is a odd calm before the race with everyone really happy just to be a part of such a special event.

What keeps you motivated to win?

I want to be the best that I can. Of course I want to win every race I enter but I know that's not going to happen.  I go out there and give it everything I have and I gotta be happy with that. Getting beat by guys I know I can ride faster then keeps me motivated.

What was your worst race and why?

The 2002 cyclocross national championships. My teammate and I had won every race we did that year and thought nationals would be the same. We got beat by Johnathan Page. I was so sure we were going to win so it was a big shock.

What was your best race and why?

Houffalize World Cup this year. I rode in 7th most of the race and with in sight of the leaders for part of the race. It was the first time I was ever part of the front of a race in Europe. Houffalize is also my favorite race and is the one that everyone wants to win.

What's your best tip to fans for staying lean?

Don't try to starve yourself because you just end up getting super hungry and gorging yourself. Eat a lot of veggies and drink and plenty of water.

Learn more about Todd at his site: www.toddwells.com