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David Zabriskie, Team CSC

16 August 2005

Vuelta, Giro, Tour and the Maillot Jaune

 

David Zabriskie has been cranking out major wins over the last year. The 26 year-old has achieved results seldom seen in modern cycling, winning stages in the last three grand tours. His most recent win, in the Tour de France, earned him the Maillot Jaune and cycling stardom. A late season wrist injury has sidelined Dave, but expect to see him on the winning scene again soon. Read on to learn more about Dave Zabriskie.
Interviewed by The Dust Devil of BiciRace.com

Grand Tours and the Maillot Jaune

BiciRace.com:  Dave, thanks for joining BiciRace.com for an interview. Your last two major wins have been in time trials [Giro d'Italia Stage 8 (Lamporecchio - Firenze) and Tour de France Stage 1 (Fromentine - Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile)], can you Describe what it takes to be a top time-trialer versus just being a fast bike rider ... Mental strength, physical strength? What is on your mind during a time-trial?
David Zabriskie:  It takes both mental and physical strength. You just really have to enjoy speed. All I can think about in a time trial is faster, faster, faster....
BR:  How has your life changed in the last 12 months after achieving the rare feat of winning a stage in three consecutive Grand Tours? [He also won stage 11 of the 2004 Vuelta a España with USPS]
DZ:  Things are a little different, but in a good way. The results I've had in the last 12 months help motivate me to do more.
BR:  Well, the Yellow jersey was something else in the Tour de France. Describe for BiciRace.com the experience of taking the jersey in your first Tour de France ride, and then losing it with your crash in the TTT.
DZ:  In the beginning it was really good, and then it was really bad after the crash.
BR:  You are obviously a top time trailer, and a few of your biggest wins have been TT's that where you started with 60% (or more) of the riders still to go. Is there something unique you do to beat people who have the full benefit of previous rider's time splits?
DZ:  It's nothing unique, it's just me going as hard as I possibly can go.
BR:  OK, then regarding your position, are you fanatical about that? Incessantly fiddling with how your bike is set-up?
DZ:  No I am not. I just get on the bike and go and try not to worry about all that other stuff.

The Team

BR:  Describe the differences between Team CSC and USPS, regarding the food, organization, equipment, etc ...
DZ:  They are two very different teams. They are both very professional. I feel really privileged and happy to be apart of Team CSC. I think it is the best team in the world.
BR:  Team CSC has really been dominating, it is truly a great team. Do you train with other CSC teammates or alone? If so, who are your typical training partners (at different locations)?
DZ:  I usually train alone. And it depends on where I am.
BR:  How closely have you been working with your Italian teammate, Ivan Basso, and Bjarne Riis [Head Team DS] to help improve the TT skills?
DZ:  Not too closely.

Motoring to Worlds

BR:  So when you are training, how much time do you spend on your TT bike? And how much time motor pacing?
DZ:  I try to ride it [TT bike] once a week. I motor pace at least one week out of every month.
BR:  From the Tour hopefully you will have extra motivation for at the World Championships. How do you fancy your chances for a rainbow jersey at the TT in Madrid [25 September]?
DZ:  Well, with my recent wrist injury I'm taking it day by day. Hopefully I'll be OK to compete by then.
BR:  Thanks so much for your time, we wish you luck in recovering and the World Championships.