February 16, 2004 – Alexi Grewal has had a colourful history. 1984 Olympic Gold medallist, Grewal rode in both the US and Europe as part of the early North American contigent that took on a sport that belonged to Europeans. Grewal rode for 7-11, RMO, and Panasonic, alongside many of the great riders in the 80s. Always a character, with opinions on most everything, Pedal caught up with Grewal to see how he was doing.

Pedal: You were a big part of what many would call the “American Invasion”: when riders from the States ventured to Europe to race professionally. It is without question that many of the successful pros today (Armstrong, Hamilton, Julich) wouldn't be here without riders like you. What differences do you see now from the “scene” back then, and now, in the States?

Grewal: Very little. Except for the fact that I had a small part with the pioneers into Europe. Things are much the same. It is still just as hard or harder to race as a professional in Europe.

Pedal: You rode on some pretty impressive teams — Panasonic, RMO, 7/11. Do you think it is harder or easier for North Americans to ride on Euro teams now?

Grewal: I think Americans brought huge changes to team structure. The days of the patriarchal Director is in the past now. It's now headed to multi-national corporate sponsors, and that will be good in the short term and terrible in the long term. But in the short term it makes it much easier to adapt to cycling culture in any country.

Pedal: What has changed, in your opinion, with the Tour de France since the 80s?

Grewal: The Tour has a huge appetite. The season is out of balance as far as profit generating ability of races goes. Lance will see it and throw a bone to Italy or Spain, I hope.

Pedal: How do you feel about the Olympics being open to pros now?

Grewal: There are no true Olympics anymore. They cannot stay true to their own ideal. The only ideal anymore is who makes how much money. We may find Olympic performances in the Games, but the Olympics sold their soul at the end of The Cold War.

Pedal: What have you been doing with yourself since you retired?

Grewal: I have been many things, drug and alchohol addict, master timber framer, stay-at-home dad, a father, a saw mill operator, a remoldeler, an architect…

Pedal: Do you still ride?

Grewal: I am in training now. Although the bike is only one component.

Pedal: Do you keep in contact with old team-mates or rivals?

Grewal: It's the 20th year since the games…I have seen many old rivals and teamates, and it's as if not a mile had passed under our feet. Soon enough I will catch up with Bauer…perhaps at the party I am planning in Aspen, in July.

Pedal: Thanks a lot, Alexi.

Grewal: Any time, Matt.