Each year the Arizona cycling scene see’s one of its riders get the opportunity to step up and race on the professional level. On good years we even see two riders sign professional contracts and disappear to race the NRC calendar. This upcoming year will be no different as Team Waste Management rider Sean Mazich has been offered the opportunity to step up and ride with the Jelly Belly Professional Cycling Team for the 2010 season. We thought this would make for a great time to bother Sean with a few questions…
VGC: So, let’s cut to the point… pro huh? How’s that feel?
SM: This question isn’t about me I think. This is the time where I would like to thank the people in my life that made me a pro. Obviously my Mom, Dad and Sis!! Love ya. Then first to Jim Metcalf! The man is my father and I owe it all to him. I would not even be riding my bike right now if it wasn’t for him. Thanks Jim. Second to Steve Cullinan. I don’t think anyone truly knows what this man has gone through to make the things happen for Waste Management. Steve, I love you and I’ll never be able to truly thank you enough for what you have done for me. Thanks Steve. Barney King!!!!!!!! Enough said! Nate Koch….. Amazing person. Those are the main ones. I’m just very thankful to have so many amazing friends and family in my life. Since day one I have never had anyone ever say “What are you doing with this whole biking thing”? Everybody believed and that played a huge roll! Thanks to all!!!!!!
VGC: What are things looking like for next season? Any initial ideas of a potential racing schedule?
SM: Not sure yet. My season will be 11 months I do know that. I haven’t talked to Danny (editor: Director of Jelly Belly Pro Cycling) about the schedule next year. I do know that I will be in China twice, Malaysia once, and Australia once. Stoked about that.
VGC: Now, how long did it take you to get to this point? You’re originally from Yuma right?
SM: Yes, I’m originally from Yuma. It took me about 3yrs of being serious. When I started riding I had no idea what I was doing or what I wanted to do with it until I went to Europe. That’s when I really learned what it was going to take to make it in this sport.
VGC: Will we see you much next season on the local racing scene?
SM: Not sure on that one. I hope to do some racing still in AZ.
Cutting it sharp on the local scene. Photo courtesy of www.trautmanphotography.com
VGC: What were some of your best Arizona racing memories? Does any one moment stand out?
SM: I would say riding with Waste Management. The support we got from all the people that were involved with the team made it an amazing one to ride for! I would never trade the last three years of my life for anything!!
VGC: Do you have any off-the-bike hobbies?
SM: Catching up with friends. It gets a little busy during the season and I don’t get to see them as much as I would like.
VGC: If you had to pick another sport to excel in which would it be and why?
SM: Soccer!!! I love the game!! I respect the athletes.
Setting up for the sprint. Photo courtesy of www.trautmanphotography.com
VGC: Do you have any mentors or cyclists you admire? Why?
SM: Lance for sure. He has been my idol since I started. I think he works the hardest.
VGC: What are your goals for next season?
SM: To be a good teammate and do what is asked of me.
VGC: What’s on your iPod right now?
SM: Wow a little of everything. At the moment is has been Mickey Avalon because I just went to his concert on Tuesday.
VGC: Finally… the one question we ask everyone: If you had to be stuck on a tandem with one person for 100 miles, who would it be? Why?
SM: This is the easiest question by far….. STEVIE CULLINAN!! To those who know him you should know why! We would have an amazing time plus we would win!! The man is my brother and I’m blessed to have him in my life!!
VGC: Thanks Sean. Best of luck next season.
