Peter Sagan Shows Off His Cycling Skills
One of the world’s top up-and-coming cyclist answers the same 10 questions we always ask everyone!
One of the world’s top up-and-coming cyclist answers the same 10 questions we always ask everyone!
Unless your knowledge of professional cycling goes beyond the Lance Armstrong scandal, you might not have heard of Peter Sagan, but he’s about to blow up in his sport. Considered to be one of most promising young talents in the cyclist world, the Slovakian earned various prominent victories before his 23rd birthday along with 16 wins in 2012 alone. Clearly, he’s been busy. Lucky for us, he took some time to step down from his wheelie and answer the same 10 questions we always ask everyone.
When did you first get into professional cycling?
My first experience was with Liquigas, now Cannondale Pro Cycling, in 2010. I remember my first race, the Tour Down Under, and my curiosity about professional cycling. I used to watch it on TV, but to be on the scene is something completely different.
You’ve accomplished so much at such a young age; what’s your proudest moment when it comes to your professional life?
Honestly, I don’t spend much time looking at what I have achieved. Maybe because the life of a cyclist is busy: travel, race, training, relax, repeat. Two of the best moments are the first win at Paris-Nice in 2010, and the green jersey at Tour de France last year.
You made a bet with Liquigas president Paolo Zani that if you won two stages and the green jersey for points classification at last year’s Tour de France, he’d get you a Porsche. Did you get it?
Yes, I did. When our team president makes a promise, he keeps it!
You have a few signature moves after crossing the finishing line. Tell us about them.
It’s very simple: I like making a show and having fun for the fans. In the past, I liked Valentino Rossi in MotoGP because after every win, he did something crazy or memorable. I had fun watching and became a fan of his for that reason. Now that I’m on the scene, I hope that I can create the same emotions for people that watch me.
AND NOW: THE SAME 10 QUESTIONS WE ALWAYS ASK EVERYONE!
What was the last thing you had to apologize for?
This morning, on the team bus before the start of the stage. I was at a team meeting, and during the team directors’ explanation, my phone started to ring. Of course, I had to apologize.
What’s your favorite curse word?
Well, maybe not favorite, but there’s one common in Slovakia. It’s not good to repeat, but if someone comes to my country, they will for sure hear it…
What’s the worst hangover you’ve ever had?
Three years ago, in autumn, with my friends. We had a party to celebrate the end of my season and…we had fun.
What was your first car?
Toyota Carina.
Do you have a scar that tells a story?
I have quite a few, especially from racing mountain bikes. But the one that tells a story is that one from the Tour Down Under. I injured my arm, got stitched up and the director was sure I wouldn’t be able to start the next day. For sure I did, and went on to kind of make a name for myself in getting into that ‘famous’ break with Cadel Evans and some others.
Do you have a party trick?
Most of my tricks now involve doing wheelies on a road bike. It’s become something I’m known for, being able to handle a road bike almost like a mountain bike, and I get asked to do it almost every time the fans find me on the road training.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve ever put in your mouth?
A sandwich, for sure. My friends asked me to eat a sandwich in one second, and I did.
What’s the one thing to remember during a fist fight?
Be ready, every time!
Who was the last person to see you naked?
My roommate, [cyclist] Maciej Bodnar.
Finish this sentence: If I ruled the world for a day, I would…
As Jim Carrey says in his movie, if I was God and ruled the world for one day I would take a rest!
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