Good things come to those who win

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Jason McCartney after Olympic Trials(Image credit: Daniel Simms)

American Jason McCartney turned in a remarkable season last year, winning a stage and riding well at the Tour de Georgia, winning the new Olympic Trials for a ticket to Athens and nearly capturing a win in San Francisco. Because of his consistent performance, Santa Claus decided to bring McCartney a special present this year - a spot on Lance Armstrong's new Discovery Channel Pro Tour team. Cyclingnews' Mark Zalewski caught up with the Coralville, Iowa resident to see how his preparations for the "big show" were going and to reflect on the past season.

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JM: We did a lot of fun rides and it was pretty mellow. We did some stream crossings which kind of reminded me of riding around here - it was kinda funny, here I am in Texas doing the same thing I do back home. Everything was super-organized and the level of support in terms of staff is incredible. They really make it easy to focus on what you are going to do. Whereas teams I've ridden on in the past have been great but there's a manager, mechanic and a souinger - and it's pretty tough for three people to do the job of ten.

JM: It all started off in Georgia. I did well in the TT and that got me noticed because I had been working the previous days for the team - and even that morning I had ridden on the front for the team. Then I came out and had the best time trial for anybody on the team. The next day we set up the plan for me to win the stage and that worked out. I just kept it going, had a good ride at Philly but we had a plan to work for the sprinters and it worked out pretty good. Then the Olympic Trials and San Francisco put the nail into the woodwork. Riding the way that I did, and the team rode well, and I was almost, almost able to get it. I think it was those things and just riding consistent the whole year.

JM: I guess I didn't really start off the year with set goals. Last year was new for me too, it was one of the bigger teams I had been on with fifteen guys. I just wanted to get selected for the races. Then once I did I just wanted to prove to the team that I deserved to be there. From there, me and John were joking on the way to the Olympic Trials - I just made a joke that I had been 'waiting my whole life for this opportunity.' But I was just kidding around to take the pressure off the real situation. So I didn't really set any goals, I just wanted to do my job and do a good job for the team.

JM: I couldn't believe it! I guess the first time I had even thought I had a chance I was at the top of the steeper climb and somebody said, 'Hey, looks like you are going to Athens,' because from that point on the course you can see way down the course. I hadn't even looked back once so I couldn't really believe it, but I didn't want it to slip into my mind and mess anything up. Once I crossed the line I couldn't believe it, but I was pretty worked from the effort so it took me a minute.

JM: That was wild - to see all the athletes in the village. It was a pretty short trip. We were there for four days but we were the first event after the opening ceremonies. I didn't get to hang around a whole lot or see any of the other events. In that regard I would have liked to hang out a little more but the race was just incredible - to line up with all those guys that I read about in magazines all the time. All of a sudden you are racing next to them. It was a great experience, and that is just what I am going to need to take it up to the next level, just constant exposure to racing of that level.

JM: It seems like there are always one or two really well-funded teams and then four or five that are real entry-level. So it seems to stay about the same. There are spikes up and down. It sounds like that with that tour in Texas, and I've heard rumors about a tour in California... I think with events like that and San Francisco, and if we could get a couple more of those big city one-day races, I think those are great for the sport. But it's pretty tough for the sponsors. I think Lance has done incredible things for the sport. You see the LiveStrong bracelets everywhere and everyone knows about cycling now, so that's great.

JM: They just really need to ask themselves if it is really something they want to do. Because it is such a tough sport - there's a ton of travel and not a lot of money in it, so you have to be passionate, otherwise you are wasting your time. I've seen so many people start and stop, start and stop - and then you think maybe if they just gave it one go and went to Belgium or something like that. It could give them a better idea.

JM: I think some of the things they have in place today that they didn't when I was a young cyclist - like the program they have in Belgium is wonderful. I mean when I went over I just got an apartment from a guy in Gent and rode to the Kermesses - there was nothing in place, it was all loose. They have someone cooking for them and they have bikes... I think that is the best thing going. And then having races like Georgia with the U-23 team is great for a young rider to get noticed. I definitely think there is a future for us in the Olympics, I just think this was a tough year. The heat was terrible and for me I just need to take it up another level.

JM: I think mainly the racing. In the U.S. so much of out racing are shorter criteriums and maybe one or two long races. But over in Europe they get to race long races all the time. I think that is the difference. That is what I noticed when I was over there. I was in much better shape because you are always doing it. And there aren't just twenty guys in a race that can win it, there's fifty or sixty.

JM: It would be great to finish up with Discovery. I see myself riding for maybe five more years. At least give it two years in Europe and see what I can do. And there is the possibility of coming back here and finishing with a team over here. That might be good as far as having a family. But I want it to work out in Europe. There is a significant increase in the amount of seasoned U.S. peloton riders heading over to Europe this season (i.e. Horner, Vogels).

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