June 25, 2014 – With the Canadian National Road and Time Trial Championships on this weekend, we thought it would be a great opportunity to introduce to you the youngest member on the team and a proud Canadian, Kris Dahl.
Kris came to Team SmartStop at the end of last year for the Tour of Alberta and after an impressive showing at his first Medalist race, Michael Creed offered him a contract for 2014.
This year Kris has made the move from Amateur to Professional racing in great fashion with Michael saying: “I think Kris has progressed a lot. With a lot of maturity and respect for his job, I think Kris is the type to be leading a team in one day races within a couple years.”
Kris took time out of his nationals build up to talk to us about how he got on the bike, his favorite races and what he does when he is not racing. You may even be surprised at his answer when asked the most annoying habit of his American team mates.
This is your first full year racing as a professional – How does the racing compare between now and when you were racing in the amateur ranks?
Kris Dahl: The biggest difference between this team and previous years is the level of organization and success both on and off the bike. The tactics of racing are executed to a much higher degree. With Team SmartStop, we go into races always looking at how we can win.
You have done a fair bit of racing for the Canadian National Team – what has been your favorite international race?
KD: One of my favorite races with the National Team has to be the An Post Ras UCI 2.2 in Ireland last year. It was an awesome race with a great group of guys that I have known for a while.
How did you get into cycling?
KD: I got into cycling early as a kid, mountain biking with my family. As I got older, I began to ride more and more with my friends. Eventually, a good buddy of mine started racing so I figured I should give it a shot and it all started from there. As I continued racing, I gradually transitioned onto the road.
KD: After several weeks, or even months on the road traveling, I usually miss my friends and family most. It is always great to go home after a long trip and see everyone I’ve been missing. That, and some good home cooked meals.
What has been your favorite race to date and why?
KD: My favorite race so far has to be last year’s Tour of Alberta. It was my first race as a Professional, and it was also held in my “backyard.” It is pretty special to be racing on roads I regularly train on while being cheered on my friends and family.
Canadian Nationals are coming up, will you be racing in the Time Trial, Road Race and Criterium and what are your goals heading into nationals?
KD: This year, Canadian Nationals is a big one for me since it is my last year as an U23. The top goal is to be on the podium in each event, ideally on that top step of that podium.
When I am not on the bike I am….
KD: School usually takes up my free time in the off-season… I’m working my way through an Engineering degree. When I’m not at school or riding, I love to be in the outdoors to go hiking, skiing, fishing, mountain biking, or really anything in the mountains.
There are three Canadian’s on the team compared to eight Americans. What is the most annoying trait amongst your American counter-paths?
KD: Sorry… I don’t think I can find anything wrong with my American friends. They’re pretty good, eh? Sorry..
If you could race any race in the world, what would it be and why?
KD: That is a tough one.. Other than the Tour de France, I would say the Olympics would be a very cool experience!