February 18, 2004 – As reported yesterday on this site, Geoff Kabush will be riding with Maxxis in 2004. As promised, here are details about Geoff and what he's been up to.

Pedal: So, what are the differences between this team and Kona?

Kabush: Maxxis is a huge company compared to Kona. If you look around it seems like they sponsor almost everything. They are excited about racing and it is great to be riding for a company that feels this way. I have been riding the same equipment for the last seven years so there will be a lot of changes for me with the equipment I will be using.

Pedal: What bike and equipment will you be on?

Kabush: I have been talking with Dave Turner who is making the bikes and I am really looking forward to checking them out; I have heard a lot of good things about them. My manager, Eric Wallace, who I am excited to be working with, is nailing down all the final deals. Some of the other equipment I will be riding on includes Rock Shox, Sram, TruVativ, Sun/Ringle, SDG, Crank Bros, Troy Lee Designs, Smith, and of course Maxxis tires. I am also excited to be working with Sugoi again who has been really helpful to me this winter.

Pedal: Geoff, how did you get in touch with this team, and how did it come about?

Kabush: I was originally talking to Maxxis in the fall before the rumoured Maxxis-Giant uber team fell apart. It didn't work out then but the deal with Kona fell apart as well. Luckily when the Maxxis-Giant team fell apart it opened up some new opportunities again. It was a long off-season but I have just tried to focus on my training and I am really happy the way things have worked out.

Pedal: What's your schedule for 2004?

Kabush: The season starts off in a couple of weeks with the first NORBA in Waco and the Nova Desert Classic in Phoenix. After that it will be Sea Otter and then off to Europe for the spring World Cups. This year, the World Cups are going to be most important because of Olympic qualification.

Pedal: And your goals for this year?

Kabush: My number one goal for this year is the Olympics. I have no pressure on myself though because everyone has already written me out of a spot. If I don't make it, the NORBA series will be my focus.

Pedal: How's the training going?

Kabush: Good. I have been splitting time between Victoria and Boulder this winter. I have been training hard so the changes in scenery have helped to keep from getting burned out, especially with the rain in Victoria sometimes.

Pedal: So what takes you to Boulder?

Kabush: My lady friend, Ms Gretchen Reeves or “G$”, has to work hard in the winter so it is easier for me to come visit her. I like Boulder and it is a nice place to train so it works out well.

Pedal: Our readers are dying to know then, what did you do for Valentine's Day?

Kabush: She is also a hockey fan, so I took her to the Canucks vs. Avalanche game on Monday. It was a good game but I think she was a little embarrassed when the Canucks scored and I stood up to cheer. I stuck out like a sore thumb, it felt like I was yelling at a funeral with everyone staring at me.

Pedal: Who is better at foosball: me or Pinner?

Kabush: Pinner, definitely.

Pedal: Thanks Geoff. I'll keep practising.

Kabush: Ciao for niao.