Andrew Frey – Team Manager

Name: Andrew Frey
Age: 39
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Favourite style of race: Criterium

Major goal for Astellas in 2014?
My main goal for the team this year is for the riders to each move to their next level. That goal will be individual for each rider. For some it will be wins and podiums, for others it will be learning the game of professional cycling and it’s many roles. If that can be achieved the team as a whole will reach a new level. If the team is more cohesive at the end of the season then the beginning I would find the season to be successful. Victories and podiums in national and international level races will come with that.

When you raced as a college student, did you ever think you’d be managing a pro team in a few years?
I have a degree in sports organization. So I guess it was always been a thought in the back of my head. My years in collegiate cycling helped prepare me for this role because more experienced riders take a leadership role for the club in planning trips, coaching and strategies for newer less experienced riders.

The job requires time away from your young family. What’s the first thing you do with them when you come back from the races?
When I get home from the races we do something as a whole family. Milwaukee is a great summer city so we usually will find something we can walk to. That can be the playground, a restaurant, the beach or some live outdoor music.

As a former vice principal of a school in Cincinnati, do you expect the guys on the team to be harder to work with than your previous pupils?
I find the two environments to be quite similar. As a school administrator you play many roles. I was an organizer, motivator, disciplinarian, shoulder to cry on, and many more. As a team manager I will play the same roles just with adults. I think that the riders will be easier to work with because they have reached this level by being organized, motivated and disciplined. 


The highlight of all your years spent in cycling is what?
The highlight of my years spent in cycling has been helping others reach their potential, relationships grown from it and travel.

If the guys in Astellas Cycling Team could win one race at the drop of a hat, which one would you love it to be?
There are two that I would love to see the team win. The first being the Philly Cycling Classic because of the history of the race in the US being the longest running big road race in the US. The other being The Downer Avenue stage of Tour of Americas Dairyland because of its history as one of the bigger criteriums in the US and because it’s three blocks from my house.

As a pro team we will be in a lot of races with the biggest names in cycling, especially when we start our European campaign. What one rider would you ask to have your picture with?
I can’t really say there is a person I would like my picture taken with. I have had my opportunities to have my picture with some of the biggest names and didn’t take it. I would prefer a candid shot with the team after a big victory or success.

Note from the team: “Andrew’s calm but focused demeanour mean the riders are relaxed but confident that everything will be done to enable them to perform on race day. His experience as a rider is also valuable, and means the riders perspective is never ignored”.