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GUESTS: TRAVIS TYGART, SEANA HOGAN, CASSIE SCHUMACHER
Here in the U.S., we need to take a mental photograph of this week and its beastly hot weather, so we can pull it out in six or eight months when we’re bitching and moaning about freezing temperatures and snow-covered roads. In the meantime, chill out with a new episode of The Outspoken Cyclist.
The name Travis Tygart is one that gained a lot of notoriety during 2012’s L’Affaire Armstrong. As CEO of USADA, Tygart led the investigation that produced the now-famous reasoned decision, outing many pro cyclists as having cheated in sport. Find out more as Diane talks with Tygart about why USADA exists, and how it goes about policing cycling and other sports.
Earlier this summer, we were glued to Tractalis following the Race Across America, including Cassie Schumacher, a woman from our own backyard, who in 2013 became the first female solo RAAM finisher from Ohio. This week we are honored to have both Cassie and six-time RAAM winner Seana Hogan on the show to share their thoughts and experiences on ultra-distance cycling.
Diane- Really enjoying your show! Listening to the podcasts and trying to catch up with all the past ones. Thank you for the best interviews I’ve heard in the cycling community.
I had a problem with one thing you said during this show (#152 @ 50:45 into the show). Seana Hogan was congratulating Cassie on her finish in RAAM, but upgrading her to 1st since she was on a standard bike. You said, “I was surprised to see a recumbent rider in the event this year”.
Recumbent cycles have participated in RAAM since 1989. According to the RAAM website, recumbent men had finishers in 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2013. A 4-person recumbent team finished in 1989 and 2005. A 2-person recumbent team finished in 2007. There were solo women recumbent finishers in 2010 and 2013.
I do not understand why some in cycling community will not accept that a recumbent bike is as much a bicycle as a standard bike. Where’s the love? Again, Thanks for your work and passion.
Hi Bill,
There is no question that a recumbent is a bike! However, I think that they aren’t necessarily equivalent; they are just different. I think the comment went to the fact that Cassie rode a “standard upright” bike. Recumbents need (and have?) their own category and I think that is appropriate. As for who won – each won in her category” if we assume (always dangerous, I know) that an upright and a recumbent are different from one another.
As for your comments about the show – THANK YOU! I am always on the verge of throwing in the towel thinking the show just isn’t good enough… so, when someone says nice things, it’s energizing!
Keep listening! Keep commenting!
Best,
Diane