In 2007, Craig Streit burst onto the Arizona scene and made waves in the category 3 field. He had a quick sprint and an ability to read races. In a short period of time he was able to gather the necessary points to make the jump up to the Pro 1-2 field. It didn’t take long before Craig found his way in the 1-2’s and as he mention’s below, achieved his goal of a category 1 upgrade. What’s next for Craig? Read below and learn a little more about him, his motivations, and his idea of the ideal tandem partner.

Enjoy.

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VGC:  When did you begin riding? Why?

I started riding just after high school, just to stay in shape. I pulled out my old, childhood huffy mountain bike at first. Then, my boss lent me his Raleigh to compete in a fund raise raiser race. I won my age group, and I was hooked. I didn’t really start racing until I returned from my trans-America ride back in 2002.

VGC: Wait, back up the car… “trans-America ride”… What’s that all about?

In the summer of 2002, I did a trans-america ride to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease (through the Michael J. Fox Foundation). At the time, my grandfather was suffering from the disease and I wanted to do something to help. I rode solo and self contained. I pulled a BOB trailer with all my camping gear, clothing, food, water, and spare parts. I started just north of LA and rode to Virgina Beach. It took 45 day (40 riding days and 5 rest days). The trip was right at 3700 miles.

VGC: Wow, 3,700 miles in 45 days. That sounds tough. With that many miles in your legs, what type of training are you doing at the moment?

No structured training right now. I’m done racing for the season so I’m not training. I’m taking a break and just riding a 3-4 days a week, just when I feel like it. No real schedule “training” until November to get ready for next season.

VGC: What is your favorite training ride in Arizona?

BOS (including riding down to the lake). It’s a great ride to test your fitness against some of the top cyclist in AZ. And, if you ride down to the lake, it’s a great, long training ride.

VGC: What is your best Arizona racing memory?

Winning the Cat 3 state crit in ’07. It was truly a team effort. We had 9 guys 100% committed to getting this win, and we made it happen. This win was especially sweet considering the state crit had been a goal of mine for the two years previously, but ended in crashes both years.

...with a little help from my friends.

VGC: Do you have a favorite Arizona race, past or present?

I really liked the Globe Crit. I love tough crit courses and that was the hardest course I’ve raced in AZ.

VGC: What are your hobbies off the bike?

Hanging out with my friends and enjoying a few adult beverages. I also like hiking, camping, etc. Basically anything active and outdoors.

VGC: If you had to pick another sport to excel in which would it be and why?

I don’t know if you’d call it a sport, but I’d like to get into motorcycle racing. It’d be an adrenaline overload. I’ve always had a need for speed.

VGC: That explains your gravitation to crit sprints! Are there any cyclists you admire? Why?

Jens Voigt – He’s always giving his all, attack after attack, and never gives up…..and gets results to reward his efforts.

VGC: What are your goals for the 2009 season? Have you been able to achieve them?

Win a race – I’ve won 3 races this year. Get my Cat 1 upgrade – Check I was hoping to get a top 10 at a Superweek race – Didn’t quite pull that one off….maybe next year

Craig winning by um, er, 10 bike lengths?

VGC: What’s on your iPod right now?

Nothing, I don’t listen to an iPod when I’m riding. I enjoy just being out on the road.

VGC: If you had to be stuck on a tandem with one person for 100 miles, who would it be? Why?

Liz Hatch. She’s hot and a great cyclist.

VGC: Thanks for your time Craig. Best of luck next season.

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