Its been quite a year for rookie pro Cameron Meyer. Although still only 21 years of age, the ambitious Garmin-Transitions rider has already acquired the coveted rainbow jersey of world champion and a ride in his first Grand Tour this season. Cameron will be joined by his younger brother Travis in the Garmin-Transitions colours during 2010, which is hoped will be another groundbreaking season for the rider from Melbourne.
Both Cameron and Travis are keen supporters of Bike Pure, we caught up with the likeable Aussie shortly after his recent gold medal ride at the UCI Track World Cup in Melbourne, Australia.
How do you mix track and road? Do you find that each discipline benefits the other or will there come a time in your career when you will focus 100% on one in particular?
I mix both my track and road cycling very well. With my team Garmin-Transitions and the Australian Cycling body we sit down and prepare a schedule that allows me to get everything out of both disciplines. I think later on down the track, maybe after the London Olympics I will step away from the track and commit fully to the road.
Which is your favourite event on the track?
My favourite race on the track is the Points Race. Being World Champion in this event really gives me a passion for it and it requires every skill and strength as a complete bike rider.
As many of your European counterparts have to embark on a season of winter training in a colder climate, what are the benefits of spending your time training and racing in Australia’s Summer?
I think us Australians really have a benefit from being in the summer months during the racing’s off season. We can prepare and train without the hassle of knowing if the weather is going to be alright. Our condition can really be perfect going into the start of the season.
Long term will you be focussing on the road or track primarliy? Your Garmin-Transitions team mate Bradley Wiggins has mixed both with success in the past. Has Brad given you any good advice this season?
Bradley has been a great role model for riders such as myself. To see him win so many Olympic and World Championship gold medals on the track and then finish 4th in the Tour de France gives riders like me the hopes and dreams of one day doing the same. For now I will mix both Track and Road but I think later on it will be a road focused path.
It’s great news that your brother Travis will be joining you at Garmin next season, you must be looking forward to that?
It will be fantastic to have my brother on board with Garmin next year. We are not only brothers but best friends and really help each other to achieve greater results on and off the bike. It will only benefit both us and Garmin to have us on the same team.
2009 was your first full season with a Pro Tour team, was the step up difficult for you with reference the increased speeds and distances and how has this affected the way you train?
2009 was a real experience racing in a Pro Tour team. The step up in racing is quite big as the distances and speeds are much more intense. I found that I handled these aspects pretty well and with Matt White as my coach, he really knew how to adapt my training to suit these needs.
You were unfortunate enough to have two shoulder operations at the same time late in the season. Have they healed ok and will there be any lasting effects?
My shoulders have healed very well. I am back racing and training to full capacity and I would say my shoulders are back to 95% strength and movement. In saying that, I cant say I will be changing my profession to a swimmer anytime soon.
Your support and involvement with Bike Pure is well known and you form part of a new young breed of successful athletes. What is your current evaluation of the situation as regards drugs in cycling and do you think its damaged image is improving?
I think the situation in regards to drugs in our sport of cycling is definitely healing. With the knowledge that the drug testers have these days there is very little room for error and hopefully we are not far away from a complete drug free sport.
What was your most memorable road race in 2009?
My most memorable road race in 2009 would have to be the Giro d’Italia. To ride your first Grand Tour is every young cyclists dream and it was an experience of a lifetime and hopefully one of many more grand tours to come.
Who do you tip for Tour success in 2010?
Alberto Contador is my tip for the tour in 2010. He is far ahead of the competition an I cant see him losing. If he does I hope its to Bradley Wiggins or Christian Vande Velde.
What’s your favorite pre-race meal?
Muesli
Many riders go through their careers without ever becoming World Champion. At such a young age, you have already achieved that accolade. What other goals do you wish to secure in the future?
I hope to one day win a medal at the Olympic Games and also I think every riders dream is a stage at the Tour de France.
What’s the best thing about being a pro bike rider?
The Team Bus. Not having to get changed or drive long distances in a small, confined car.
What’s your favorite pass time when you’re not training and racing?
Sleeping would have to be one. Watching movies and playing a game of golf.
AFL, rugby or soccer?
AFL for sure. Go the Mighty Adelaide Crows!!
VB, Guinness or spring water!?
Spring Water
What’s playing on your iPod at the moment?
Fatboy Slim – Right here, Right now.
A big thank you to Cameron for his interview and his support of Bike Pure.
Please visit Cameron and Travis’ official website here
Comments
Write your comment