December 9, 2003 – Canada's perennial champion Eric Wohlberg has recently put rumours to rest about his situation for 2004, signing with the US team Sierra Nevada. Pedal had a chance to catch up with the King of TT's, about his new team and plans for the future.

Pedal: How did the Sierra Nevada deal come about?

Wohlberg: Over the latter third of the 2003 season as I did a lot of local US racing while trying to deal with my wrist injuries. This afforded me the opportunity to get to know the teams who race in a very competitive regional series. I was impressed with what I saw coming out of the Sierra Nevada team. I'm looking forward to racing with these guys instead of against them. Kurt Stockton stepped in for the latter part of the 2003 season, and continued to dial up the program. Trent Klasna liked what Kurt brought to the program and committed for the 2004 season. Trent knew I was looking for a team this autumn and put in a good word for me.Kurt, Mike Neil (road manager) and Ken Grossman (Owner of Sierra Nevada Brewery), put together a great offer for my consideration. I have happily accepted. The squad features a good mix of crafty old fashioned horsepower and youthful exuberance. I have raced extensively with both Trent and Glen Mitchell, and have gotten to know the rest of the guys through the local race scene. We recently had a short  informal four-day camp up in Chico to introduce all the new riders to Ken Grossman, the returning riders,staff and sponsors. We got along right off the bat.

Pedal: So, what are your objectives for next year?

Wohlberg: For 2004, I want to help The Sierra Nevada Cycling Team  realize it's potential. We want to remain a strong force in N. California where Sierra Nevada is based, and look for some wins over the course of the NRC Calendar. I think that I can be a key part in that winning equation. In addition to meeting the expectations of my trade team, I want to represent Canada in Athens. I was a little disappointed with how things went for me at the Road Worlds in Hamilton. I had good preparation coming in, but had a couple lingering hurdles that I couldn't fully jump. I hope to have a good injury free season, which will help me come into the Games on track. I believe that I could make big contributions to our Olympic Squad. In order to get riders to Athens, it will be important to at least maintain if not improve Canada's World UCI ranking. The cut off date is late April. This point tally will determine how many riders we can bring to the Games. That will not be an easy task as we've only one guy in Europe with the regular opportunity to make points. We'll have to look at some early point earning opportunities late Jan/early Feb. We are hovering within the top 30, which will get us three riders.

Pedal: You've been racing for over a decade now, and still going strong. How much longer do you see yourself racing?

Wohlberg: I plan to race until I have truly had my fill. I am one of few who have come from a full-time job to full-time athletics. I have always dreamed of living a life of sport, and cycling has been the vehicle. There's no doubt that the money is very hard to come by, and there's lots of stress, I've had so many experiences that can't be bought. I really enjoy the thrill of competition, and the great environment I get to spend ten or so months/year. However, as my career advances, I want to give some back to the Cycling Community. I attended the AGM in Victoria over the weekend and was pleasantly surprised with what I saw. There will be an Athletes Council formed, and we'll have good representation on the Board Of Directors. Hopefully with our collective racing experiences, the Council can pave a little easier trail for the up and coming riders. I'd like to continue to improve the Canadian cycling environment once I'm through competing.

Pedal: Thanks a lot Eric, and best of luck next year.

Wohlberg: Thank you.