December 5, 2005 – Having just announced the roster for 2006, Victory Brewing is planning ahead for next season and American Velo Sports, the company that runs the team, provided two interviews – one with Espoir rider Kim Geist, and the other with Team Director Mike Tamayo.

Kim Geist – Victory Brewing rider

At 18 years old Kim Geist of Victory Brewing is a second year pro that has medalled at Junior Worlds in 2004 and 2005 on the track.

At 19 you are heading into your second year as a professional. How does this impact your everyday life with college etc.?
Kim Geist: Racing with Victory Brewing definitely keeps me busy as I couple daily training and frequent racing trips with attending school full-time, working, and carrying out other normal activities. I must say the major impact being a professional has had on my life thus far has been teaching me extremely excellent time management skills. It is definitely an acquired skill to be able to fit the quantity of time spent on school, riding, work, and other obligations into the short twenty-four hours in a day.

What are you studying at University?

KG: I am studying sport and exercise science at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA. Classes are going very well and I am enjoying the freedom of the University experience!

In 2005 you made the Road Worlds Team for the US, and got a bronze medal in the Pursuit at the Track Worlds in Austria. How did it feel to represent your country and to be able to perform at that level?

KG: Racing at the Worlds was an amazingly positive experience for me. I worked hard to perform well on the international level, and I am happy the work paid off. I was proud to represent the US and hopefully my performance will foreshadow a strong future for a new generation of American riders competing among the world’s best.

Tell us what it is like to be surrounded by the top cyclists on your team?

KG: Being among a group of women who have “been there, done that” gives me a unique opportunity to learn a lot in a short period of time. Just this past season I felt that I learned a great deal about racing tactics, teamwork, and the general way the members of a professional team carry themselves. My teammates have shown me how to think of myself as a professional, and to also be confident in my growing abilities.

In 2005 you raced in the Wachovia Liberty Classic for the first time, and was the youngest rider in the event. What is that experience like?

KG: The Liberty Classic was the most difficult race I have done. But, at the same time, it was one of the most exciting races I have ever done. I watched the race for several years prior being among thousands of spectators in an absolutely bustling atmosphere, standing in awe of the 200 female racers. To be on the other side of the barriers, racing the race, was really one dream come true. I had to leave everything I had on the road that day to finish well, but it was made all the more worth it because I riding along in the presence of some of my heroes, and had the constant crowd support, as well.

You always seem very focused and driven. What can we expect from Kim going into 2006?

KG: You can expect more of the same. I’m going to set more lofty goals and reach them. Over the course of the year I will continue to learn as much as possible from my teammates and help them to victories. I will also pursue some personal victories in the espoir category and on the track.

Mike Tamayo – Victory Brewing Team Director

Gina Grain is not listed on the team this year. We know that Amy Moore has gone to T-Mobile – is there any more information about Grain’s status?

Mike Tamayo: I’m not sure which team Gina Grain will be riding for in 2006. (Editor’s note: See news item today about Grain riding for Colavita.) We have had a great three years with Gina on Team Victory Brewing. She is pursuing some extended track racing as well as some personal goals. The team schedule and her personal goals where not on the same path. I am sad to see her go, and still support all of her ventures.

Will Tara Ross be riding for the team on the road as well – she was a late replacement to the squad this year?

MT: Tara is an exciting addition to the Team. We brought her on board for ‘cross very last minute. This was something that happened with the assistance of Anne Bolyea (Diet Cheerwine Team). We are looking forward to testing her talents on the road in 2006, and prepare her for 06-07 ‘cross season and Worlds..

Can you talk about the team’s latest addition, Rachel Heal? How did that come about?

MT: Rachel Heal raced with us in 2005 as a guest rider for a couple of races. I was scouting the 2006 team at the time, and she seemed like a perfect fit. She is very motivated to come on board as a team leader and help me build this team to a new level. The team as a whole is looking forward to having her on board. Not only for her talent on the bike, but for the years of experience she brings to the team.