An interview with Gordon Fraser: Turning a new (maple) leaf

Health Net-Maxxis is just one of the teams that Gord Fraser has raced for during his long career - a career that has been spent racing in both North America and Europe. After twelve years of racing as a professional, Fraser realises that the time is right to move on to the next chapter. He spoke with Cyclingnews' Mark Zalewski while he was racing the last NRC race of his career.

Gord Fraser is ending his career as a pro in North America, finishing it in the sunny waters of the Bermuda Grand Prix. But his last NRC race was the criterium nationals in Downers Grove, a race that has a larger emotional meaning to him. "That race marks the passing of my father five years ago," said Fraser. "My mother was there [this year,] so there were a lot of things going on for me. Bermuda is going to be a fun race, but Downers Grove is definitely all business. There were a lot of emotions going on for sure."

Fraser decided during the off-season that this year would be his last. "The winter was tough for me," he said. "It made my decision a lot easier. The training I usually do seemed to be a lot harder for me, both mentally and physically. It reinforced the thinking that this could be my final year. I wanted to get everything out of it I could. Nine years have really flown by, but it is time to move on to other things. I can feel that it

would be really hard for me to maintain the level I expect out of myself. I don't know if I am willing to put in that type of work to keep at an acceptable level. That is a sign to switch to something new."

Click here for the full interview.