Neil bezdek is the man in red! He won 4 RHC races (actual record) and he will defend in 2014 your title of RHC Series winner’s of 2013. A part of this, Neil is involved in cycling by a lot of ways: Pro road cyclist, Coordinator of NY bike sharing program, writer for bycling magazine..well let’s read to discover more…
1. Who’s Neil Bezdek?
I won the 2013 RHC Series, but I’m involved in cycling in a lot of different ways. I work for NYC’s Department of Tranpsportation as a planner for the city’s bike share program. I also write for Bicycling Magazine, and I’m the captain of a national-level road cycling team based in NYC, CRCA/Foundation. I try to have a balanced life outside of cycling, too. I enjoy reading, being outside, and playing chess.
2. First time on a track bike?
I got my first track bike while attending college in Santa Barbara, CA. It’s really hilly there, so I had to learn fast!
3. Have you worked like a bike Messenger in NYC right? what can u tell us about a bikemessenger life in NYC?
Working as a messenger is a lot different than being a member of “the scene.” It’s a hard job, and lots of full time messengers do it for the money, not because they like bikes. I started racing and made friends with other cyclists after I was done working as a messenger.
Working as a messenger is great for developing racing skills. Former messengers usually become very capable racers, but they have to do more training to be strong enough to put those skills to use.
4. How start your collaboration like a rider with cinelli?
They sponsored RHC Milano in 2010 and wanted me to ride one of their bikes, a Vigorelli. I did well in the race (2nd that year) and they’ve been giving me bikes ever since.
5. You recently bought the special edition of Cinelli Laser, do you tell us more about that beauty?
I raced on the Laser in Milan in 2011, 2012 and 2013. I won on the Laser in 2011 and then crashed in 2012. Everyone made a big deal out of crashing such a nice bike, but I refuse to apologize. I would never want to race a bike I’m not willing or allowed to crash; it’s part of competition. Racing is about going fast and pushing the limits, not about stressing over a fancy bike.
I didn’t buy the Laser, but Cinelli donated my race bike to a (Red) charity auction in New York City this fall. It sold for $48,000.
6. How do you train? Road/CX/pista?
I train on a road bike. It’s the best way to build fitness, and road racing skills translate to events like RHC. I ride a track bike around town sometimes to keep my skills up, but 95% of my time training is on a road bike. I use a power meter and have a very structured and disciplined approach to training.
I raced for SmartStop/Mountain Khakis for three years (2010, 2011, 2012), which is a UCI Continental professional team in the United States. For 2013 I decided that I wanted to have a normal life and be an amateur instead, so I moved back to NYC and got a full time job. I still race around the USA with CRCA/Foundation, which is the same team that Dan Chabanov, Evan Murphy and Kyle Murphy race for.
7. Small resume of 2013 season?
Best race: 1st place – Red Hook Crit 2013, Red Hook, Brooklyn. It’s the main event with the best racers and best crowd.
Best rival: Evan Murphy. He’s getting better and better. I’m the captain of our road racing team, and I’ve passed on a lot of knowledge to him. I’ve created a rival! We’re good friends most of the time, but not during the RHC.
Best city: Milano. 2013 was my fourth time visiting. It’s really fun to know the city and have so many friends there. Cinelli is headquartered there too, and it’s always nice to race in front of their home-town crowd. The race this year was really good–so many people!
Best party: The race after-party in Milano, but not the bar. Every year it closes at 2am and then everyone sits on the curb drinking beer. We’re all friends, and we don’t need a bar to have fun.
Best moment: After the race in Barcelona, Dave Trimble and I went to Mallorca, Spain. Sebastian Ordinas hosted us, and Tony Valcarel from Barceloneta bikes loaned me his road bike. The riding in Mallorca is amazing, and Sebastian was such a great host.
8. One short phrase o motto that express your passion for cycling
In a world of nuance and gray areas, bicycles are truly good.
9. Thanks to…
Huge thanks to Dave Trimble. He is the reason that the race is so successful. He works incredibly hard and demands that every aspect of every event is perfect.
