Stephen Hyde
Age 27
Height 5’10’ (177cm)
Hometown Milton Florida
Fav style of race Crits and Cross’
Major goal for 2014 Podium some NRC races
With a vested interest in Cyclo-cross you have to learn to train so you can get the maximum quality from each session. Any advice for time strapped readers to hone their short, sharp (VO2 max) efforts without doing junk miles?
Rest when you gotta rest! There is no better way to improve then taking your resting and recovery seriously. Only then can you go as hard as needed.
How does the technical skill from cyclo-cross transfer onto the road?
Well, I’m hoping to stay on the road as much as possible, so hopefully I won’t need to dismount any ditches! But knowing that your bike can and will do almost anything you want it to helps in tight spots racing 125 guys.
You choose a specific Litespeed frame. Tell us about it…
I choose the L1 model. Which I have to say might be one of the best looking bikes I’ve ever seen! As a guy who rode steel bikes ‘till two years ago I’ve been very pleased with the amount of tech that goes into carbon bikes like this. I’m super proud to be riding on a Litespeed.
What has given you the most satisfaction from cycling so far?
Honestly, I’ve always been one to work hard at the things I want to do but, there has never been anything as challenging as the day to day of training for cycling. I have the utmost respect for the pro racers now. It’s such an accomplishment for me to be here with these guys who all work so hard. I know it’s tough and at the end of the day I am very proud to be one of the team. The feeling of accomplishing something so long term is wonderful.
Outside of cycling, we’ve heard you know your way around a fret board. Are you planning to take your guitar on the road to entertain the team after a hard race?
HAHA oh boy…Unless I’m driving some to the race! I do travel with my guitar usually. I hope y’all like country!
What’s the one thing Astellas can provide for you that you’ve never had as a bike rider before, and how will it benefit your career in our sport?
Besides a real bike racing pay check? The travel and access to races I could not have gotten into on my own. I want to go to Europe something awful. Let’s hope I can make it happen! Luckily I have the full support of my family and friends to live by as well. I cannot express my gratitude toward Astellas for bringing me on board and working with me. I only hope that I can repay them with some wins and some good ol’ fashion fun.
Note from the team: “We are conscious of the need for diversity. The more different skills we can bring together within the team in turn means we’ll be a more cohesive and capable unit when it comes to making decisions in the races. This is where Stephen fits in. That, and a we need a back-up for when we lose radio reception on the road”.