From the top of the world to the bottom of the barrel and back

Over the last month, things have been falling into place exactly like I hoped they would. I finished a career best second place at the US National Championships in Sun Valley, Idaho. I led out the first lap and hung close to the heels of Todd Wells until the final lap. I thought I might be able to pull off the win, but Todd rode smart and I couldn't quite get him. Still, I was pumped to be able to slot into second place, and most importantly I was psyched that I felt good.

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Sam Schultz, 25, is a regular at US National Series mountain bike events and on the World Cup cross country circuit. The Subaru-Trek racer is back at it again for the 2011 season.

In 2010, he had a break out performance - winning the Subaru Cup, a US Pro XCT series event in Mt. Morris, Wisconsin. It was Schultz's first national series event.

"I am really hoping to step it up another level in international competition," said Schultz of his 2011 ambitions.

Schultz hails from Missoula, Montana, where he lives for most of the year although he can be found from January through April based in San Luis Obispo, California, where the climate is more hospitable to gaining pre-season on the bike fitness.

When not on his bike, the good humored Schultz enjoys skiing, hiking and cooking and eating good food.