Cannondale Chairside Chats: Matej Mohoric (part one)

Last year in Florence, Matej Mohoric won the under-23 world title exactly a year after  he won the rainbow jersey in the Junior race. The youngster signed with Cannondale Pro Cycling, becoming the youngest rider in the professional peloton, and made his debut in the Tour Down Under. Matej’s been on a steep learning curve but has nonetheless held his own this year as his talent has been carefully nurtured by the squad’s management team. We caught up with him earlier in the season, before news of Cannondale’s merger with Slipstream was public.

G4: I remember watching you win the Junior world championships road race in Valkenburg and then, last year, the under-23s in Florence. That was pretty impressive. Some of your best moments on a bike?

Matej Mohoric: Yes, probably but I think my favourite races were those in the second half of my year as a junior when I won the Giros di Basilicata and della Lunigiana. In my first year as an under-23, I had some misfortune. I crashed at start of season but managed to come back strongly. I recorded two second places (stages 6 and 7) in the Tour de l’Avenir but didn’t figure in the overall after a mechanical on first mountain stage. So winning the Worlds in Florence was the cherry on the cake and I was very happy to get a second world title. It’s been very different in my first season as a professional. I’m happy to learn and work for the team.

Matej Mohoric: Thanks, but it’s not just about the winner. It’s thanks to the work of the team and all the staff around you. For me as a rider, the results aren’t the only things that matter. I just try to enjoy every single moment. You know, I don’t race for results or to wear a rainbow jersey, I race because I love it. I wake up every morning with a smile on my face and go to sleep every evening tired, but happy. These moments are irreplaceable and can be destroyed by anger or unhappiness. I try to be as happy as possible, to enjoy my life and be surrounded by happy, positive people who want only good things for you and for them. So, my goal is to be happy and satisfied.

Also being professional cyclist, it’s my dream. I’m in a really nice team which is like a big family and I think I’ve chosen the right team because of the passion everyone here has for cycling. Everyone’s really nice to talk to. There are no arrogant ones, we’re all friends with each other and everyone talks to everyone. We’re really like one big family without the fights.

G4: That’s important and the team dynamics are quite interesting because there’s a lot of young riders on the squad and you have the benefit of experienced people like Ivan Basso  who can mentor you and the other young riders. That’s important to you at the start of your professional career.

G4: I’m sure lots of teams were keen to sign you?

MM: Yeah but I chose with my heart and. I think I’ve made the right choice and for now it couldn’t be better.

Come back tomorrow, same time, same place, to read part two of our chat with Matej.