Calm before the storm

Every year it happens just the same. The deeply ingrained habits of the off-season training regime become the norm, settling into the routine of spending a large portion of the day riding. This time of year is always enjoyable. The rides are tough and the weary legged, "I need a nap" feeling after big volume days is oddly satisfying. The stress level is low, and the living is good.

Sam Schultz, 25, is a regular at US National Series mountain bike events and on the World Cup cross country circuit. The Subaru-Trek racer is back at it again for the 2011 season.

In 2010, he had a break out performance - winning the Subaru Cup, a US Pro XCT series event in Mt. Morris, Wisconsin. It was Schultz's first national series event.

"I am really hoping to step it up another level in international competition," said Schultz of his 2011 ambitions.

Schultz hails from Missoula, Montana, where he lives for most of the year although he can be found from January through April based in San Luis Obispo, California, where the climate is more hospitable to gaining pre-season on the bike fitness.

When not on his bike, the good humored Schultz enjoys skiing, hiking and cooking and eating good food.