Race Cyclocross!

We’re happy to have American cyclocross legend Jonathan Page answer our second edition of the CPQ! Jonathan is a three time elite national cyclocross champion, family man, and an all around good guy. He is back in Belgium this season representing the US, and beating the best of the best on a weekly basis. He dislocated his shoulder at the world cup last week, but will be back in action and winning races in no time.

1. How old are you?
I turned 30 a few days ago!

2. Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
I grew up in Northfield, NH and I live in Oudenaarde, Belgium now.

3. How long have you been racing? As an elite?
I started racing when I was 15 and I have been racing with the elites since 17.

4. What was your first bicycle?
BMX bike magnum

5. What is your road/mtb racing background?
I started racing because my brother and best friend did it. Then I won a few races so I thought it was fun. Then Toby Stanton and Frank McCormack took me under their wings and I raced for the National Team for a few years. Then I did a year as a pro on Diamondback mountainbike team, a year on Prime Alliance, a year on a crappy Polish team, 2 years on Colavita and a lot of years now finding my own sponsors for my own 1 man cross team.

6. Describe your first exposure to cyclocross.
I put some nobby tires on my road bike and rode around in the race to see if I liked it. I did.

7. Would you consider yourself a cross specialist?
Yes

8. Do you race full time? If not, what other job(s) do you have?
Yes, but I am also a full time dad and I take that seriously. My family comes first. They travel everywhere with me.

9. Did you go to college? If so, what was your major?
No

10. Describe the first time you shaved your legs.
Blood bath. I cut almost every inch of my legs and the tub looked like saskwatch had just gotten shaved.

11. Do you have any tattoos, and/or piercings?
Absolutely not.

12. Pre race rituals?
Kiss my wife and daughter before the start.

13. Post race meal?
Nothing special. Pick something at a restaurant if i’m on the road and make something when i get home if i’m not.

14. How do you wind down after a race?
I dont really wind down much I guess.

15. Your idea of the perfect cross course?
They are all perfect. Thats what makes cross cross.

16. Espresso or tea?
Both.

17. For you, what is the essence of cyclocross?
Thats too poetic for me. Poems are for school and my wife.

18. Tubulars or clinchers?
Training or racing?

19. Write a haiku about 2005 CX Nats.
Whats a haiku?? how about a short story? I arrived. I ate. I began vomiting and well, other stuff. then my wife began too. called the doctor. spent 4 hours in the ER. slept. kind of. went to the cross race. felt horrible but obligated. rode around. had to throw my shorts away after the race. made it back to the motor home without vomiting…but thats about it. took 4 more days to recover enough to walk 100 meters. went back to belgium. started feeling worse again. had to send body samples to a lab in brussels. had a severe bacterial infection that took a month to kill.

20. My mind wanders when I’m racing. What were you thinking about
during your last race?
My mind doesnt wander in cross races. i don’t have time.

21. Seen any good movies lately?
Ha ha. Thats funny. I have an overactive almost 2 year old daughter.

22. What are the last three albums you’ve listened to?
I dont listen to albums. I listen to the radio or mp3 player thats been downloaded for me!

23. Who is going to win USA Nationals this year?
Me.

24. In three words or less, describe how you feel about top mount
cross brake levers.
I love them right now since they will be my hope for getting back on my bike earlier.

25. Would you use disc brakes on your cross bike if they were UCI legal?
Never tried them so i don’t know.

26. What is the craziest thing you’ve done to lighten your bike?
Nothing. I don’t need to.

27. Any season goals you’d like to share?
Podium podium podium…in Belgium or at a world cup.

28. What result are you most proud of?
My wife’s victory at the Koppenburg cross 3 years ago because she was horrible on the downhill and wasn’t even going to race it but she kicked butt on the uphill every time and I was proud to see her finish….and then to win!

29. Who has most influenced your cross racing career?
Mario DeClerq

30. Is there another rider you train with regularly?
Now there will be because my friend from swissland is living here.

31. Why do you think the Europeans are so much faster than the US crossers?
Because they don’t complain and whine about not having the best this and that or about the weather. They just go out and train. They know how to work hard.

32. Are you married? Have any children?
Yes. 1 daughter and a 2nd child on the way.

33. Any (other) passions or hobbies in your life?
Skiing and playing with my daughter.

34. What would you be doing if you weren’t racing cross?
Ski racing or landscaping.

35. Do you have a blog or online journal?
I have a website. www.thejonathanpage.com I don’t like blogs. I try to write a journal each week.

36. Any words of advice for those new to cyclocross?
Have fun!