If Chris Van Dine lives by a motto, it’s this: “Two wheels, one love.” The 27-year-old Cannondale team rider from Jim Thorpe, Pa., hopes he never has to choose from among the cycling disciplines of downhill, freeride, slalom, cross country and even BMX. This all-around rider will likely never need to choose after being the top North American downhiller at the 2004 Mountain Bike World Championships and the first cyclist to land a barrel roll in freeride competition. Learn more about Van Dine and his teammates at .
What is your best training technique?
Getting on two wheels every day and keeping it fun.
What is your worst injury?
I blew my left ACL on May 25, right in the middle of the race season this year. Luckily I have been able to rehab hard and salvage my season. Last year I shattered my wrist at the first World Cup in Spain.
Most frightening moment?
Eating an unrefrigerated egg sandwich off a shelf in Slovenia.
How do you push through mental fatigue?
I’m still figuring that out. I’m learning to take a more balanced approach to my riding and life in general. When I start to get burned out, I’ll take a step back and shift gears until the motivation comes back. It usually doesn’t take long because I’m fortunate enough to be living my dream right now.
What’s the sickest thing you’ve seen?
I get to see some pretty amazing things every day. The other day I saw Keith Darner pull an amazing save on the last off-camber corner in the downhill race, and the next day I saw an inspirational sunrise over Berthoud Pass.
Who do you admire most?
Definitely too many to mention. I admire people who live their own life for their own reasons.
What music revs you up for competition?
I actually warm up to mellow music to get me in the right frame of mind. Getting fired up for my race run has never been a problem for me. My challenge is keeping it clean and controlled.
Best advice you’ve received?
Be true to yourself… you’re the captain of your own ship… floss every day… I’ve gotten lots of good advice over the years.
What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
Tax write-offs.
What is your most essential tool for success in your sport?
Being able to turn setbacks into opportunities.
