Introducing New SKNT Rider Andy Cornelison

Andy Cornelison comes to the team from the Hot Tubes Racing Junior Program that brought us Caleb Fairly last season. Andy’s riding style is aggressive and he is a top sprinter in the making. Last season Andy won stage 6 of the Junior Tour of Ireland along with a big domestic win in Stage 4 of the Fitchburg to Longsjo Junior Stage Race. Read more about this exciting young rider – editor

Editor: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
AC: I’m 18 years old and from Carlisle, Iowa which is a little town outside of Des Moines. I’m a senior in high school; I plan to graduate in January 2007 so that I can train hard for the upcoming race season. Although I’ve lived in Iowa my entire life, I definitely want to see more of the world before I decide on a place to settle.

Editor: How did you get into riding?
AC: When I was I five or six years old, my Dad started riding his bike to get into shape. From there, he progressed into a good local racer. When I was twelve, I went to one of his races to watch and was hooked. My Dad and I started riding together and the rest is history.

Editor: How did your first race go?
AC: It was a junior race and also one of my first rides with clipless pedals. At the start I had both feet unclipped and everyone just took off. It wasn’t like I was going to catch them anyway, but lessoned learned. I ended up getting lapped a few times and finished last. But hey, I finished and got a medal!

Editor: What are your strengths and weaknesses on the bike?
AC: On the bike, sprinting is definitely my biggest attribute. I know that if I’m there in the end, I can win. I’m also good in time trials if I train that part of my system. On the downside, much of the racing I did last season showed me that I need to improve my climbing if I’m to be a true all a-rounder.

Editor: What do you miss the most when you are away from home traveling to races?
AC: Just my entire non-racer life. Hanging out with friends, going fishing, eating whatever I want, you know typical teenage stuff.

Editor: What would your perfect 2007 season on Sakonnet look like?
AC: Well winning, but that answer is just too plain. Next year is going to be a huge jump from the junior scene. In order to do well, I’ll have to adapt quickly. Mostly, I want to help the team win, no matter what. And if I can snag a few wins here and there, that would be all right!

Editor: What do you like to do when you aren’t riding your bike?
AC: I usually hang out with my girlfriend or go fishing with my friends. I start to get moody and sick if I don’t do anything all day. As long as I’m active, I’m happy.

Editor: What is the last movie you saw (what did you think about it)?
AC: Borat, the new one about the journalist from Kazakhstan. I can sum that up in two words: Hilariously true.

Editor: New York City, L.A or Denver?
AC: I’m a small town guy and where I live I get the best of both worlds. Ideally for me, I’d say 50 miles from Denver on a gravel road would be my ideal home site.