VISION FOR VICTORY

How would you compare kermesse racing with criterium racing?

I wouldn’t at all, really. It’s a lot different. The Geraardsbergen Kermesse is a big one in Belgium. I did that one this year, and it’s so much different. First off, you have a lot of guys showing up kind of one off for training or racing, and then have some teams. So, the dynamics are weird, but I would say most of the time a group of 20 guys rolls who are kind of top guys in the first hour. Those kermesses are 180km, so it’s a lot different that criterium racing. It’s still almost four hours of racing, compared with a crit that’s an hour.

So, they use it as their version (of multi-lap courses). But it’s just their version of road racing laps, really. 

What about the size of the road in Belgium?

There’re a lot smaller for sure. It depends on where you’re at in Belgium. Sometimes you’re on bigger roads. Training is a lot different because you’re on the bike paths. It’s a lot different from crit racing where you see wider roads more commonly. The Geraardsbergen Kermesse finished on a one lane little cobbled climb. 

What was it like after you won the U.S. Pro Criterium title in Knoxville? Your victory received attention because you are so young, and you were the only guy from your team in the race. Did it raise your notoriety?

It did on the U.S. scene. I raced at bit on the U.S. scene when I was younger, but I haven’t been on the scene for a while. I spent my first year as a junior over in Europe most of the year with the national team. My second year was canceled (because of Covid), and then this year I’ve been pretty much in Europe.

I had a lot of people reach out who I hadn’t heard from for a long time. My Instagram doubled in followers!

What do you think about the Into the Lion’s Den race?

It’s super cool. It’s the future of U.S. crit racing…. Justin dreams super big with his idea of what he wants to do. I think it’s cool; city-based teams or just teams coming together and doing a series of races.

What is your strategy when you race a crit with no teammates?

It depends on the course, but you have to play off the other teams. You have to play off what they’re going to do and see what their strategy is. L39ION has Justin and Cory, and they’re really fast, so I’m not going to do too much to go in a break when you know they’re going to bring it back.

You’re from Sonoma County. We read that you grew up going to your grandfather’s ranch and riding motorcycles.

I grew up racing motocross. My dad rode dirt bikes and street bikes, so I was racing motocross pretty young. We had a track up there, so that’s where we spend a lot of time…. Then I started training on a bicycle, was doing both, and then switched over to bicycles.

Did the dirt bike experience help you as a cyclist?

I think so. Not in direct ways like I see it, but I think for sure it does with handling. I was just used to being on two wheels. 

You just graduated from high school this year. Are college plans on hold?

I’m doing online classes to stay in the system.

What is your history with Zipp wheels?

I rode Zipp when I was a little bit younger. I didn’t have a connection with Zipp, but I rode a set of Zipps for one year when I was 16. So now I am back on Zipp with Trinity.

You won criterium nationals on 454 NSWs. Is that your go to wheelset?

That is my go-to this year, with some 303s on more of the climbing days. But 454s are my go-to for most of the Belgium stuff.

What is your experience running tubeless?

I train on the 303S and I run tubeless all the time training. I didn’t before and went to tubeless and it’s amazing. I was never someone who felt like I had to have tubeless, but I’ve loved training on tubeless this year. Sonoma County roads aren’t the best. Amazing rides, but rough roads. It makes a big difference being able to run a little bit lower pressure. It just makes it a nicer ride. 

What do you see as the future of tubeless in pro racing, especially the Spring Classics?

It will be the future. It’s just a matter of developing the tires to go with it. Just finding the right set up, the right tires, the right tire pressure, dialing that all in. I think it’s right there. 

On your 454 NSW Tubulars, what width tires are you running?

I’m running 28mm on most of the race wheels this year.

Who have been your cycling models or inspirations?

It’s the obvious answer, but someone I have watched since I was a little kid is (Peter) Sagan. I saw him in the Tour of California when I was really young and have watched him racing, the way he is on and off the bike. People love him. The way he races and the respect he has from the peloton is huge. That’s someone to look up to.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned this season?

You really have to make yourself at home in Europe and just be happy. Being happy is the biggest thing. You see a lot of guys who aren’t happy, and that kind of takes its toll no matter what. That’s all around in life. Just making sure you’re enjoying it for me is huge.

How do you cope with the stress of racing and being away from home?

I switch it up. I ride the mountain bike quite a bit as well as the road bike to keep it fresh. Also, just hanging out with other people. When I’m in Girona there’s a lot of other Americans there, so you can go out to dinner with other people or do something different. Just taking your mind off bike racing can help, even if it’s just one night. You have a rest day and go to the coast and hang out at the beach.

Follow Luke Lamperti and Trinity Racing on Instagram

Photos of L39GION of LA Into the Lions Den by Kit Karzen