Tuesday, January 26, 1993 Oregon Daily Emerald Speclol Supplement |
IN TOUCH
with Club Sports & RIM
Those whose every wish is to com
pete in a race where they must
propel themselves and their hike
up a 24 percent-grade hill as tasr
as they can, should join the men and
women of the cycling team.
The cycling team, one of the 25 club
sports on the University campus, is open
to all students regardless of experience or
ability. Chris Davis, president of the
team, and Karl Maxon, coach, urge any
one to join even it they just want hell'
with bike maintenance or equipment
use.
"You don’t have to be an elite race
horse to cycle,” Davis said. "A person's
goal could be to complete a century race
later in the season or do a tour during the *
summer."
Maxon will he giving seminars on such
topics as proper dress and preparation
and riding techniques at the biweekly
meetings.
Anyone doubting Mason's credentials
should take a look at his impressive
record. He has been racing tor 1 5 years,
five ot those professionally.
Maxon has raced as an amateur and a
professional for French, Italian, and
Spanish teams. He has 118 career victo
ries, was a two-time National champion,
and was chosen tor the U.S. national
team tour times.
"They twisted my arm to net me
involved (in Club Sports)," Maxon said.
"I’m just starting to slow down from my
own cycling season."
The cycling team is fortunate to have
help from Maxon and will he needing
much more in the upcoming season.
One problem area is with the lack of
women who have joined. Every race has
an "A” team, which is made up of the five
best riders for that particular type of race.
Last year only three women made up the
"A" team.
Sara Brown, who rode last year and
went with the team to nationals, said it
was difficult having only two other
women on the team and that their sup
port was critical.
"We were really close with respect to
cycling,” Brown said. “We protected and
defended each other. The support of the
women around made it possible to con
tinue despite tough competition and my
injuries.”
But aspiring women cyclists should
not let this deter them. Davis and Maxon
are intent on "keeping everyone happy"
during workouts and daily rides.
"I don't want anyone to feel dropped."
Maxon said. Being "dropped” is when a
cyclist is left behind because other riders
are in better shape.
"We have to be cohesive as a team,"
Davis added. "It’s important for people
to train as a team and function as a
unit."
Turn to CYCLING, Page 2 B