There have been some big changes with National elite men's champion Andrew Randell's relationship with the cycling community. Randell has chosen not to continue riding with the U.S.-based Schroeder/Iron Pro squad, and has returned to Canada for a more Toronto-focused season. After seven years of full-time riding, Randell has decided that he is no longer willing to spend seven months on the road. Pedal recently spoke to the 29-year-old from Toronto.
Pedal: You are the current Canadian champ. Did reaching one of your longtime cycling goals leave you feeling satisfied enough to move on in life?
Andrew: I'll admit having had such a sucessful season last year was definitely fulfilling, but moving on with life has more to do with laying out a foundation in Toronto that I never had before. There are numerous things that have all fallen into place in my life to make this possible. School was definitely one of them.
Pedal: Tell us more about that. You're at York University – what are you studying, and how is it going there?
Andrew: At York I am studying towards an Urban Planning degree, something that caught my interest a couple of years ago. Going back to school has been incredibly satisfying. Never before have I studied something in which I was interested and to enjoy studying and be willing to commit the time to it, not be feel forced as in the past, is a great experience.
Pedal: What would you say your fondest memory over the past few years, cycling-wise?
Andrew: The fondest memories of cycling all occured last season. Really there are too many to really pick one, but our trip to Europe last year with Sympatico was incredible. Having two of my best friends there, Joe {Giulliano} and Josh {Hall}, and then meeting these great young guys in Buck {Miller}and Dominique {Rollin} was great.
We saw so much in the two months there that I never would have seen without cycling; cycling really allowed me to see the world. When I won the stage in Norway {Ringerike GP} it was such a team moment and then again in Ireland {Milk Ras} was unreal. And of course at the road Nationals where the team was so superb and finally at Montreal-Quebec when, as a team, we had to chase back the break. Last year was really one defining moment after another.
Pedal: Well, you've gone from warm Southern U.S.A to chilly Canada. Since it's pretty cold back here in Toronto – do you ride a mountain bike or winter bike outside?
Andrew: I do have a winter bike with fenders, but I prefer to do some hiking or cross-country running. It's just too cold to get out on the bike. I find running or hiking to be fun, and doable, in this weather.
Pedal: Thanks Andrew, and good luck with everything in the future.
Andrew: Thank you very much.