Interview with Nick Reistad

January 28th, 2005

Nick on Mt. Lemon during his 2005 winter training campaign in Tucson, AZ.

Name: Nick Reistad
Age: 21 (Racing Age: 22)
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 172
Team: Advantage Benefits Endeavour Cycling Team

How long have you been racing?

This is my seventh year racing, but I raced mountain bikes a year before I switched to the road. I bumped into Todd Miller out on the road when I was fifteen (’99) and he told me about the Boneshakers Crit in Menomonee Falls. I totally dominated the junior’s field, and that was that!

What are your career highlights?

The highlight of my career was definitely winning the final stage of Superweek in Whitefish Bay. I was in a 4-up breakaway and attacked with 1 lap to go. I remember not being able to feel my legs, only knowing I had to go hard to the line. I dug deep and came up with the biggest win of my life. The best part was that a lot of my family and friends were there to cheer me on. At collegiate nationals, Bryan Smith, Garrett Peltonen, Bret Glembocki, and I won the team time trial.

I am most proud of being the president of the University of Wisconsin Cycling Club for a year and a half. I was able to see so much enthusiasm, so many new faces, and I tried to make everyone as excited about riding a bike as I am every day. I have become a more well-rounded person because I have had this experience.

Nick in the final lap of the Whitefish Bay criterium.

Tell us about your team this coming year.

The Advantage Benefits Endeavour team is really going to tear it up. We have a really strong line up this year and currently we are living in Tucson, training together, eating together, and getting in trouble together. We’re really getting to know each other, for better or for worse! I want to thank Randy Roth, Bob Hughes, and Mark Bissel for giving me the opportunity to race professionally and chase my dreams.

What is in store for you this year?

We’re starting off in March with the National Race Calendar races, and then hopefully we’ll be in the Tour of Georgia. After that, one of my teammates and I will be going to Belgium to race with the U23 National Team. I’m really excited to have the chance to be a part of that team.

Nick at the 2004 Nature Valley Grand Prix in the Top Young Rider Jersey

What are your goals for writing this column?

When I started racing, there were only a few riders that were willing to take me under their wings. My goal is to share some of my experiences with riders of all levels in Wisconsin. I want the younger riders to know that there are many great races outside of Wisconsin and that, with a little talent and a lot of dedication, anything can be achieved.

What are your recommendations to new riders?

I started racing as a junior, so to all the juniors: stick in there! Sometimes you might feel intimidated by older riders, but remember, they had to start at the beginning too. Get out on group rides, make friends, and listen to what the old farts have to say. I learned a ton from them, and little things too. Always pay attention and don’t be afraid to try new things.

To older riders just getting into the sport, the same applies. A lot can be learned from the veteran riders. Don’t go in thinking that you know everything, because this is such a complicated sport. Take in as many races as you can, and make friends! If you’re still in college, make sure to check out your schools club team. It’s a great way to get into cycling and meet other extremely enthusiastic people.

How can people get in contact with you to ask what it is like to race as a professional?

Anyone can feel free to email me at ngreistad@yahoo.com with any questions they have about my column, life as a pro, or training questions. They can also check out my website, www.nicholasreistad.com, which will be up and running shortly.