With RHC BK 10 starting within 18 hours, we asked several RHC 2016 top contenders that are competing in Brooklyn how their season is going, what they expect of the race, themselves, and what they think of the new qualification format. In this edition we spoke to Tristan Uhl who got a 2nd in RHC Barcelona No.4 when he was beaten by Colin Strickland in a sprint-a-deux.
Photography: Brian Megens
How do you prepare for RHC BK10?
I have prepared by racing road and geared criteriums every weekend since January. During the week, I train with a few long rides, and some high intensity group rides. In recent weeks, I have been putting in intensity on the new fixed gear race bike to get my legs re-acquainted with the cadence, crank length, and deceleration muscle groups.
How is your season going so far?
My road race season has been going since January, but I raced 6 or 7 Cyclocross races over the “winter”, which Texas actually did NOT experience this year.
What do you think of the new qualifications system?
I will not have a complete opinion until I have experienced the new qual system. I like the aspect that we get to race for longer, and that there is an ITT incorporated (potentially), but I do not like the thought of warming up/cooling down for 3 separate events in 1 day.
Is your race tac-tics affected by the new qualification system?
Depending on how taxing the qualifiers are, there could be some re-allocation of energy budgeting based on the results of the qualifiers. Its really hard to say, but no, it probably will not change my tactics. I will still try to win the final event.
How do you think that the race is affected by the new qualification system?
I don’t foresee the new qualification affection the outcome of the race very much. Maybe a bit less blood to mop up before the final.
What is the goal for RHC BK10?
Win the bloody race. That could be a team mate on Intelligentsia Racing, or myself. I just want someone riding a Pinarello on the top step.
What is the goal for RHC 2017 series?
Win as many of the individual events. I’ve been studying a fascinating correlation between winning individual races and winning the Series. I hope to test that theory again in 2017. Oh, and put on a f*cking show, because that’s what grows our sport. Race fast, race hard, and risk losing to win.
