How did you get started in cycling?
When I was 11 years old, I went to see a family friend, Chris Wherry (HealthNet), race in a criterium at home. I had never seen bike racing before, and after he won the race, I decided that's what I had to do, too. I started out doing kids' races with my mountain bike and training on the bike path in town, but I've been racing ever since.
What race(s) that you have done stand out in your mind?
Le Tour de l'Abitibi, which I did twice as a junior, is the race that has been the most fun and has given me the best experience so far. As a UCI race, it was an awesome international race experience that helped me take it to the next level.
What are your goals in cycling?
To meet as many trophy girls as possible and then sandbag as a Cat. 4 for the rest of my career. In reality, I want to race as a professional in Europe and in the Tour de France. It's been my goal ever since I started riding, and I'm still at it now.
What goals do you have for the 2005 season?
I'm focusing on racing in Belgium for 6-7 weeks next summer, and then coming back for the kill at U-23 Nationals.
What do you think about your opportunity with the Sakonnet Technology Team?
I'm totally psyched man! It's a team with a lot of potential and strong young riders that I'm really looking forward to racing with.
What are you doing now?
Um, sitting around on my bum listening to music. But I'm doing this at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, just a hop, skip, and a jump north of New York in the scenic Hudson River Valley. I'm taking a variety of classes, but am thinking about majoring in Political Science. School is going very well, and I could probably sum up my experience in one simple statistic: Vassar used to be a women's school and is still about 65% girls.
What is your specialty?
You mean besides the girls and my to-die-for crème brulee? Well, I'm good at climbing and long, hard road races. I'm a decent time trialist and can hang in there in the crits, but climbing, along with descending and cornering, are definitely my strengths.
Are you going to do anything special to train for the 2005 season?
At this point, I'm focusing more on power and my speed on the flats and hills. Also, I want to have more endurance than ever. Most importantly, however, I'm going to take full advantage of the freshman 15 to make me that much quicker on descents.
Do you have any special pre-race preparation or rituals?
I listen to music that helps me get mentally prepared, and I take a moment to totally focus and use the force - seriously. And I never, ever, match my socks.
Word on the street is that Peter is dating a nice girl from Long Island with a car, no podium girls for him this season if he wants to get to races -Editor.
Report written by:
CRCA/Sakonnet Technology Cycling Team