Sage Advice from Veteran Stage Racer, Jason Sager, an interview conducted by the Mongolia Bike Challenge.
The 2013 Genco Mongolia Bike Challenge presented by Orbea has attracted some of the top stage racers in the world. We asked a select group of experienced, professional riders to share with us their tips and advice as they prepare to race this September 1 to 7.
Team Jamis’ Jason Sager is first up. Sager has a wealth of hard-won stage racing knowledge having competed in events such as the Cape Epic, BC Bike Race, La Ruta de Los Conquistadores and the Trans Andes. We are looking forward to meeting him and his Jamis teammate, Thomas Turner, in Mongolia in less than two weeks.
MBC: How do you train in the last few weeks leading up to a race like the MBC?
Jason: For me going into stage races is ideally about finding a balance between having both training momentum and being rested. I try and wrap up a nice training block about 7-9 days before the race starts, then use the travel period as rest, so that when I arrive I can get going again before the race actually starts. Probably the worst thing you can do is start the race tired, especially mentally fatigued from training.
MBC: Do you have any tips in packing for a 7-day race?
Jason: This is my first Mongolia Bike Challenge but the usual rule holds true – its better to look at it, than be looking for it.
Jason Sager, Park City P2P. Photo: Shannon Boffeli
MBC: What will you be bringing for supplemental nutrition?
Jason: Food is heavy, so I try to fly with as little as possible, with the plan being to source 25% of my calories with local food options once on the ground. Often its cheaper to buy sports food on site than deal with packing another back of just bars. I wouldn’t use a trip as the time to experiment with food while not having a back up, but its a good option if you know what the shopping options at the race destination.
MBC: What do you do for recovery between stages?
Jason: It’s all about mental recovery and getting out of dirty clothes, off your feet, and into another mindset. A shower, fresh shoes, and a beer never hurt anyone.
MBC: Can you share with us your bike and set-up?
Jason: Comfort and reliability, those are always fast. I never race stage races on a hard tail and typically go for large and durable tires. Tread isn’t too important in these races because typically you’re so tired that handling skills are the least of your problems – it’s muscle fatigue that gets ya.
MBC: Is it important to come with a race plan and specific goals? What are yours?
Jason: We always have goals, aspirations of performing within the horizon of our abilities. However, I see the main skill set you use towards achieving those goals is being able to adapt on the fly to the race situation, each day, and at each moment. Evaluate the course, your legs, the agendas of others, and remember the fatigue factor that comes with each hour of racing, day after day.
MBC: Why do you do races like the MBC?
Jason: Stage races are the best excuse to travel, and there’s no better way to see the world than by bike, and as an athlete.
MBC: Any other advice for someone who has never done such a long, hard race?
Jason: Bring one thing from home that is a luxury – a pillow, coffee press, something that helps keep a glimmer of glamour in your week of suffering.
MBC: Great advice, Jason. See you in Mongolia.