We checked in with Raivis Belohvosciks of team Saunier Duval Scott just before the TT stage of the 2008 AMGEN Tour De California. He is a multiple Latvian TT champion and has won the GP de Nations.
ST: Raivis, during the season, what does a typical training week look like for you?
Raivis: I train alone, because we live in different places. Normally I train around 150-100k per day. Mix in speed work, and some track too
ST: You have been an amazing time trial rider for a long time now; do you still work on these skills?
Raivis: Yes, that is my bread and butter, and thus I have to do well! 1 week in the beginning of the season, or when I change bicycles is all it takes. We have TTs all the time in competition so I keep my TTing tuned.
ST: Can you tell us how you arrived at your position on the TT bike?
Raivis: I go by feel, and also video my position, measure speed and heart rate.
ST: Is your crankarm length different on your TT bike versus your road bike?
Raivis: Yes, I use 175mm cranks on the TT bike, because I am more in the front of the bike, I can have longer crank. On the road I use 172.5mm
ST: Tell us how you typically spend the off-season.
Raivis: My vacation was in Italy this year, but I have to keep training even when it’s off-season. Not really an off-season these days with today’s ProTour schedule. We stay very busy.
ST: What are your plans in terms of racing for 2008, or let’s say, what has the Team planned for you?
Raivis: Tirreno-Adriatico, Giro d’ Italia, The Olympics and the Eneco Tour are the highlights for me, any races in between.
ST: Can you tell us about your athletic background?
Raivis: I’ve always been a cyclist, from ten years of age. I train in other sports in the winter, like swimming and running
ST: So will we see you in a triathlon?
Raivis: Yes, maybe I should consider triathlon.
ST: How many bikes might we find at your house if we came by and looked, and what are they?
Raivis: 2 bikes, my Addict Team road bike and a mountain bike. I love mountain biking, actually I won the UCI level WC Marathon at home in Latvia.
ST: Can you share with us some of your food likes and dislikes?
Raivis: I like everything that doesn’t look me in the eyes… I eat a little of everything. I like fish mostly.
ST: What about music? Anything you listen to more often?
Raivis: My favorite is Nine Inch Nails, an American group! I also enjoy Depeche Mode and Linkin Park.
ST: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Raivis: In prison, food is free! No taxes! No seriously, I see myself relaxing at home, sitting in the hot tub with my soulmate… But of course, it’s another rainy day in the Tour of California so I am missing home.
ST: I there anything else we should know about you?
Raivis: It’s better if you don’t know much about me, the less you know the better my advantage! ☺
The Scott Plasma TT weapon of Raivis Belohvosciks (LAT)
