TRIPLE Exclusive - An Interview with Liz Hatch

“Off the front” is a term we use in cycling for someone who goes in a break, either with a group or solo. For some, the term not only describes a tactical strategy but also a riding style. While for others, it expresses a personality. In French, these types of riders are referred to as “baroudeur-rouleur,” literally a “fighter” who goes over rolling terrain well, or more descriptively, a rider who is brave enough to go on a suicidal solo effort. Enter Elizabeth Hatch.

The 27 year old who rides for Team Vanderkitten has been “off the front” in the two years she has been in the women’s professional peloton, and on the internet where she formerly went by the username “Roubaix Girl.”

It would be a mistake; however, to simply label her for what you see on race day or on the internet. Liz, while strikingly beautiful, is as multi-dimensional and dichotomous a personality as I have gotten to know. She is considered "green" in the world of professional cycling, but has enough experience and talent to win the races that she enters; she transmits a "rock star" persona, but is amazingly approachable and down to earth; she is graceful on the bike, but at times trips over air off of it; she is tough and gritty when diving for a line, but vulnerable enough to emote when seeing her father after a rough race. At times, it’s as if Liz challenges your perceptions of her.

In this interview with Vanderkitten Liz Hatch, we discuss her beginnings, Europe, feeling “sexy,” and where she would take women’s cycling.

Granny’s 30 (G): In your interview with Brett of The Sporting Life, you stated that your 24th birthday was a seminal point in your cycling career. What was your motivation for getting up off that couch to cycle, let alone race, as many cycling fans cycle but don't necessarily race?

Liz Hatch (LH): 2004 was a turning point in my personal life. I had the feeling that I was standing on the edge of a cliff, the point of no return. Looking back I can see that buying my first bike was manifestation of the realization of this; taking a step in the direction of freedom, taking control of my own life. I certainly had no inkling then that it would take me this far in such a short time however...

The racing came after a year and half of crazy group rides in South Florida. Anyone who's done rides down there can probably relate. There are no hills to separate “the men from the boys" so almost every ride turns into a full out "speed fest". I just got the urge to go farther with it, to see how I compared to girls out there racing already.

G: You've raced in Belgium and in the United States, could you compare the racing done in Europe as compared to the States...the fans? Which do you prefer? Do you think you'll go back and race in Europe?

LH: The racing here is certainly tough, crits are really hard in the sense that you have to be smart and know when to take your chance and when to be patient. There are a couple really strong teams right now that control the race for their sprinters who can sit back and pounce when the time is right.

Racing in Belgium was different for the most part because they don't really do crits. I did a few of the "after Tour" crits but the majority of races I did were circuit or road races over 2 to 3 hours. You get more of a chance to stretch your legs. Also there were generally more girls racing. The breaks there stick; it's not like here where a break normally comes back. It's very windy there and the roads aren't always "ideal" so sometimes you'll end up with a few groups all fighting it out. The fans there have such a passion for the sport. They don't mind the road closures and the rain doesn't stop them from standing on the side of the road for hours either. It was cool to meet such nice people there that come to all the races and follow your progress throughout the season. I showered in more strangers’ homes after races than I care to remember! Belgian people are very hospitable.

I very much enjoyed my time in Europe, and while I have grown to love the racing here in the States over the past year, my heart is in Europe. The history of cycling there moves me greatly. I hope to be a part of making Vanderkitten a UCI team at some point in the very near future so that we can do a European program. Our director, Scott Gross, backs my feelings on this 100%. In fact, he canceled his yearly pilgrimage to Belgium for the Classics to be at Sea Otter with us.

G: I found it interesting that your first two real cycling experiences were in Florida, where if you're not heading into a head wind you're certainly getting hit by a cross wind, and in Belgium, another wind swept area. Do you feel that made you tougher as a cyclist...and how has the move to an area where cyclists abound helped your development?

LH: Being in Florida and Belgium gave me speed on the flats for sure. The wind there can get downright ridiculous but I've really grown to "enjoy" it. I feel at home in windy conditions, it forces you to be mentally strong which comes in handy in many aspects of life. This past year out in California has added depth to my ability, I've become a much better climber but I have a ways to go to be the best I can be at it. I'll never be 115lbs, let alone a Buck Five, like so many of these girls that are in many ways my role models. I have to work with the body type that I have, which is,luckily for me, built for races that I have a passion for.

G: One-day Classics or Grand Tours?

LH: Ha. Need I say it? Classics.

G: Crits or Road Races?

LH: Both. I want to win both. I want to win everything I enter.

G: You've stated that you'd like to win The Ronde someday, what about Worlds?

LH: I think every racing cyclist has, on a quiet back road with no one around, pretended to raise his or her arms envisioning themselves crossing the line first and pulling that gorgeous jersey on... Yes, I've done it too. :) Visualizing that sort of thing is what I translate into the motivation to make it happen in real life.

G: What's the best moment you've had on a bike…the worst?

LH: Best- The Col d'Agnel in France, it's like being in heaven at the top.

Worst- Bonking so bad on the Izoard that I began losing peripheral vision. Or maybe that digger I took in April on my face... Both are cool memories now though.

G: What is one thing that most people don't know about you?

LH: I still sleep with my baby blanket... Jesus, I used to own over 200 tubes of lipstick... I had to part with some of them, too much to carry around.

G: 200 tubes of lipstick? Are we talking every Juicy Tube flavor? And did you carry them all at one time? What did your bag...er, backpack look like?

LH: I had a huge hard sided luggage that had all of my lipstick in it. I have a huge weakness for MAC cosmetics. I race in makeup. Maybe I'll grow up one day and stop being so vain but till then...

G: Racing as a one-woman team last year, was there any race where you wished you had some teammates around you? Do you think you learned more by going it alone?

LH: All of them! The reason women like Van Gilder, Vos, or Nicole Cooke are able to win so much is because of their team! I'm sure they would tell you the same. You are at a huge disadvantage without teammates. On the other side of the coin it forced me to be proactive. I'm not the sort of racer to sit in and go along for the ride. Racing on my own gave me a lot of freedom to make my own moves. I would always think "WWLD", What Would Ludo Do? Haha, maybe that's odd but I totally dig Ludo Dierckxsens style of racing. Or Jacky Durand. They had cajones! They were interesting to watch, they involved you; you were forced to sit in front of your TV to see if they would make it to the end. Guys like that always made me FEEL the race. Like them, I want to take a race in my teeth and shake it by the neck!

G: If guys like Ludo and Jacky make you FEEL the race...what do you FEEL when you're racing?

LH: I feel so alive that I'm almost close to death. It's the best high I've ever had, I feel invincible and vulnerable all at once. I know that I could race "safer" and sit in more but I don't know that I'd get the satisfaction from that style of racing. I enjoy the risk. It's a "sexy" feeling. Ha, really...It’s a weird thing to say, but true. All that adrenaline and the goose bumps... It's like the best kiss ever! Makes me want to scream like a banshee (if I weren't so out of breath)! I cannot explain it better than that.

G: What are your personal expectations for the upcoming 2008 season? Which races are you targeting? What are your expectations for the team?

LH: I'm not going to be shy and say I just want to have fun and enjoy myself. No, I want to win. I want Vanderkitten to win. I will work my ass off for this team and these girls. We really are a different sort of team, in my opinion, just based on how we came to be. I'm so close to Mark, Dave and Jennie, they have done so much for me that I will put myself in my grave for the team if that's what it takes. We have some really talented girls this year that are going to teach me so much. Watch out for us! I'm tellin' ya! So far, Vanderkitten has been really lucky to meet like minded people out there, such as yourself, who are behind us. I want them to be proud of their involvement with us.

G: Are you really as clumsy as you say? Don't answer that, my shoulder is still broken isn't it? [laugh]

LH: I really am. I hide it well though. And again, I'M SOOOO SORRY!!! :)

G: I just recently watched the Morgan Freeman movie, "10 Items or Less." So Liz, 10 items or less, things that you can't live without ("keepers")?

LH:

• Westmalle Trippel
• Chapstick
• Nutella
• Electricity
• Toilet paper
• My blanket
• Bike
• My Robert Redford T-shirt
• A kazoo (love those things)
• And baked beans with weenies

G: Did you ever think of reaching out to the monks and ask Westmalle for sponsorship as you've probably subsidized their business over the years?

LH: Oh man, that would probably be the end of my racing career...

G: What would you say to the statement, "Pain is Temporary, Quitting is Forever." Have you ever quit?

LH: I have quit. It's the reason I know how much I hate the feeling of losing or giving less than my best. Quitting and losing teach you far greater lessons than winning.

G: What is appealing about women's cycling, objectively? What is appealing about women's cycling relative to men's cycling? Why do you think men's cycling still takes center stage over women's? What do you think should change in women's cycling to get people more interested and excited about it?

LH: My feelings on this subject run deep. Women's cycling is stuck in a vicious circle of poor promotion which causes a lack of interest. Cycling is at its most basic, entertainment.

In order to draw people in, to make them care, to make them to pay attention, they must have a connection to the athletes. They have to feel compelled to watch. With men's racing we learn so much about the individual cyclists, their personalities shine through, you get to know them and feel a connection. Ask yourself why you are a fan of one particular cyclist over another and normally it's because something about their persona interests you and excites you. The women I race with/against and admire are just as vibrant and interesting but we're always treated as a footnote and no one remembers the footnote. It's a shame because there is some really good clean fun going on and it's being missed out on. Vanderkitten aims to change that.

G: What do you have to say to people who think you're all "flash" and no substance?

LH: You know, I can't really answer for other people, nor will I try. You can't please everyone. As long as I have the respect and love of the people who've helped me live my dream it's something I just have to ignore.

I admit that I can be a little "over the top" and I have a bit of a mouth sometimes but that's just me, on the bike or off. Why should I change who I am?

G: Have you ever raced on the pines? What do you think about the whole fixie craze?

LH: I haven't yet but Vanderkitten will be working on a women's pursuit team which I will be a part of. I'm really looking forward to it. I admire the grace, skill, and power it takes to be a good track racer.

G: A recent Bicycling article spoke about traffic laws and specifically focused on the Bay area and the risk cyclists take and the repercussions [or lack thereof] that motorists face when riding around. What are your thoughts about the issue? What would you offer up as a solution(s)? What have been your experiences in and around the Bay area?

LH: The short answer? Bikes are the past, present and future. Americans need to wake up and smell the Ozone! Coming from South Florida, I can tell you that we are very fortunate here in NorCal to live in such a cycling friendly area, but it can always be improved. Again, look at countries like Belgium and the Netherlands. Bike highways abound!

G: Your Pops shared with me that story [that you brought up in your interview on The Sporting Life] about you sneaking out on his Gitane, or as I recollect he told me it was a Peugeot. Anyway, was that necessarily because of the freedom cycling afforded you or partly because you wanted to be like your Pops?


LH: Peugeot, man, I knew I was wrong... should have called dear old dad. My bike is still my freedom. It's been the catalyst for many life changing events and I'm sure it will continue to be for the rest of my life. I just can't wait to see where it will take me!

[ASIDE: It being every parent's right to embarass their children, Mr. Hatch shared this anecdote of Liz's first official ride on a bike]

At around 5 years old while living on a cul de sac in suburban Austin she announced that she was going to ride a 2 wheeler without aid of training wheels. I don't recall ever having put them on anyway. Her Mom asked if she needed any help to which she replied she didn't, " I know how to do it". Well, she did ride it, and fast. However, as the pavement ended and she didn't know how to steer or stop, she went through a hedge and into the neighbors garage door. So ended her first solo ride. Maybe that was a precursor to her friend Vinnie calling her " Crash "

G: This year you really discovered a talent for the sprints...did you consider yourself to be a sprinter beforehand? What type of sprint suits you best, large field sprint...two or three up...catching some wheels from another team's leadout...or leading it all out to see if someone can come around you?

LH: Before this year I never really considered myself anything but pretty strong and really stubborn on a bike. My abilities continue to grow and now that I have a great coach, I feel like I keep finding new gears! It's really amazing how cycling is such a "layered sport" as my teammate Leigh tells me.

As far as what kind of sprint suits me best, I'm going to be cagey and say they all do! Can't give too much away, yeah? I don't have a preference, I like to go fast!

G: What are your strengths...areas you might need to work on, on the bike...racing?

LH: Strengths - Obviously sprinting, but I'm finding that I may be more of an all-rounder than I previously thought. People tell me to stop saying I'm not a climber because I'm really not bad at it. It's all still to be determined, I'd rather not put labels and limit myself, ya know?

Race tactics are things I'm still learning. Patience. I've never been on a team so next year will offer a huge amount of opportunities to learn the art of racing a bike.

Photos: Kurt Harvey (top); Leonard Basobas (bottom)