December 12/11 19:08 pm - Geoff Kabush Joins Scott-3Rox - Exclusive Interview

Posted by Editor on 12/12/11
 

Late yesterday, it was announced that the top-ranked Canadian male cross-country rider, Geoff Kabush, has signed with the newly formed Scott-3Rox Racing Team (see Daily News:
December 11/11 22:03 pm - SCOTT Sports Signs Geoff Kabush). The team is an expanded version of the Canadian 3Rox team headed by Derek Zandstra and Amanda Sin, and managed by Kyle Douglas. Geoff was left trying to find a new ride after the UCI team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain team program ended in October (see Daily News:
October 26/11 12:37 pm - Maxxis-Rocky Mountain Ends Team, Cuts Riders Loose).

We caught up with Geoff today by phone at Denver airport, as he waited for a connection home to Albuquerque, New Mexico, after racing the USGP cyclo-cross races in Bend, Oregon, on the weekend (he finished 6th and 3rd in two races).

Canadian Cyclist: When we last spoke (see Daily News: October 26/11 14:10 pm - Geoff Kabush Interview - 24 Hrs After Maxxis-Rocky Mountain Folds) you were just starting to look for a new team or sponsors. How did this new ride come about?

Geoff Kabush: It's kind of funny how things came together when things didn't work out with Rocky. I ran into Adrian Montgomery [from Scott USA] at Interbike and we had a good chat, but I still thought things were going to work out with Rocky at that point.

Kyle Douglas [3Rox manager] really initiated this. I had tweeted about the [Rocky] team been over, and he called me right away. It went right to the top of the company, back in Switzerland, and they really committed. It's a three year plan.

CC: So what is the program for next year - similar to what you have done in the past, or more North American races?

GK: The focus is on the Olympics and the World Cup next year. After that, we'll look at the North American schedule and see what makes sense. I think probably Sea Otter, and the [Hardwood] Canada Cup, since that's the headquarters of the team.

Right now, I'm headed home for a few days rest, and then start on the program for next year.

CC: When we spoke before you said that there was the possibility of going with a team or solo with some sponsors; what made you decide on this team?

GK: Yeah, when things fell through I had some options. As I looked at the possibilities it came down to a couple of choices, and this one with Scott made the most sense. I think that there is a strong commitment for a long term.

CC: As a more experienced pro, was there any thought from your perspective that this would give you the opportunity to mentor other riders in this Canadian program?

GK: It's been a while since I've had team mates [in the same category], and hopefully I will be able to share my experience, with both 3Rox and the national squad, and help take them to the next level. It will be great working with Derek [Zandstra] as we pursue our Olympic dreams.