Race Cyclocross!

Racing cyclocross for Maxxis on Van Dessel bikes, Geoff Kabush is hardly a man who needs introduction. Current and several time Canadian national MTB and cyclocross champion, Kabush rocks the cyclocross with a light heart and a sure footing on the podium.

1. How old are you?
29

2. Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
Grew up in Courtenay, BC… now I split my time between Victoria, BC and Albuquerque,NM

3. How long have you been racing? As an elite?
Started racing MTB in 92-93, turned senior in 96 and have been racing at the elite level since then. Cyclocross I have done on and off since 97-98.

4. What was your first bicycle?
The first bicycle I picked out was a sweet purple Kona Lava Dome; I rode my parents sweet Norco Bush Pilots for a while before that with some sweet bullhorn handlebar/stem combo.

5. What is your road/mtb racing background?
As I said above I started racing MTB’s locally in Grade 9, worked my way up to the National level as a Junior and took up some road racing once I turned Senior. Currently racing for Maxxis International on the MTB and Cross bike and figuring out how to fit in some road racing as well.

6. Describe your first exposure to cyclocross.
Went down to Seattle for the SuperCross series was back in 97 or 98…can’t remember which year; did it on a MTB with skinny tires and had some fun hopping the barriers.

7. Would you consider yourself a cross specialist?
No. I can’t be serious enough at this time of year.

8. Do you race full time? If not, what other job(s) do you have?
Full time.

9. Did you go to college? If so, what was your major?
Yes. UVic…B Mech Eng in 2003 after 8 yrs.

10. Describe the first time you shaved your legs.
1995 after I returned from Junior Worlds and got heckled; couldn’t do it in highschool because I was a pretty serious basketball player and would of gotten beat up.

11. Do you have any tattoos, and/or piercings?
No.

12. Pre race rituals?
Warm up.

13. Post race meal?
For Cross it is usually some Belgian beer, preferrably Leffe, or maybe a Double Chocolate Porter by Phillips in Victoria.

14. How do you wind down after a race?
See previous…drink beer…maybe fish and chips.

15. Your idea of the perfect cross course?
Wet but not muddy…twisty…and I feel better than everyone else.

16. Espresso or tea?
Espresso.

17. For you, what is the essence of cyclocross?
Lack of seriousness.

18. Tubulars or clinchers?
Clinchers for now.

19. Write a haiku about 2005 CX Nats.
Wasn’t there.

20. My mind wanders when I’m racing. What were you thinking about
during your last race? This kind of hurts…I should be at home…keep fighting you pansy…ok…how many laps do we still have…I’m tired….mmmm…beer.

21. Seen any good movies lately?
No, but I hear the new Trailer Park Boys is real good. Not sure if it is being released in the states though.

22. What are the last three albums you’ve listened to?
I don’t know if I have listened to a complete album in quite a while but last time I was on the plane it was “Taking Back Sunday”, “Built to Spill”, and “Stars”.

23. Who is going to win USA Nationals this year?
I don’t know but I am quitting after the final USGP…suckers.

24. In three words or less, describe how you feel about top mount cross brake levers.
Jit levers.

25. Would you use disc brakes on your cross bike if they were UCI legal?
Yes

26. What is the craziest thing you’ve done to lighten your bike?
I just run what I brung.

27. Any season goals you’d like to share?
Try to milk my fitness long enough so it doesn’t really really hurt.

28. What result are you most proud of?
USGP win in Gloucester 2004.

29. Who has most influenced your cross racing career?
Peter Wedge…godfather of Canadian Cross and former teammate.

30. Is there another rider you train with regularly?
No…all my training is secret.

31. Why do you think the Europeans are so much faster than the US crossers?
Several reasons…probably the Belgian beef??

32. Are you married? Have any children?
Just got married Oct. 7th….no children yet.

33. Any (other) passions or hobbies in your life?
Sporting activities, relaxing, eating, trying to stay in one place for 3 weeks.

34. What would you be doing if you weren’t racing cross?
Getting too fat and out of shape in the fall.

35. Do you have a blog or online journal?
online diaries at cyclingnews.com

36. Any words of advice for those new to cyclocross?
Remember to heckle me if you see me at the races.