athlete profile: Sue Schlatter

click for bigger. Sue on the top podium at Killington.This is the first in a new column at ottawabikes - the athlete profile. Set up to highlight and celebrate riders from the region who achieve success in this sport that we love. Our first profile? Sue Schlatter, member of Steven's Racing! Fresh off of a win June 19th at the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race where she crushed the next nearest competitor by 50 seconds. 

Thanks Sue for answering our questions!

Question: You've been having a good year so far with a fantastic ride at the Chrono Gatineau TT, where you finished 5th among an international-calibre field, as well as your recent win at the Killington stage race. Can you tell us a bit about the TT and your year in general?

A: That was based on a winter of lunchtime TT intensity rides. My coach of 4 years, Kevin Wilson (Peak Centre for Human Performance), knows how to get the most out of very little time.  I included weights twice a week—mostly thanks to the camaraderie and inspiration click for bigger. Sue on the TT bike.of some of the members of Canada's Sledge Hockey team who were heading to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games who were also training at the Peak Centre. (If you ever get a chance to watch a sledge hockey game...very cool!)

Question: How did your earlier athletic career help get you where you are now?

A: I raced all over the world as a professional triathlete on the Canadian Team from 1989 to 1992, including 5 World Championships. I hung up my Klein (`old pinkie`) after returning from a race in Johannesburg. I also raced in cross-country running for UBC as well as 5km, 10km and half marathons on the road. I repeatedly sprained my ankle as a runner, eventually broke it, which brought me back to the bike for rehab 5 years ago. I never had any intention of racing again after 13 years off the bike. I have always stayed fit, even through pregnancies, which has created a huge base and allows me to get away with very low volume now. 

Question: Any big goals for the rest of the year?

A: Well, there is this little hill climb in New Hampshire in August...if the race director lets me in...

Question: The team seems to be achieving some successes as well. Can you tell us a bit about Stevens Racing p/b The Cyclery?

click for bigger. The Stevens p/b The Cyclery team.A: We have an awesome team of 10 women this year. www.stevensracingcanada.blogspot.com and www.stevensracingcanada.com tells you all about them. There is a wide mix of ages, athletic backgrounds and professions—but we sure have a lot of fun together!

Question: OK, this next question betrays our bias, but what makes Ottawa such a great place to live, ride and race bikes?

A: In no particular order.....Gatineau Park, friends, four real seasons (summer, spring, winter, fall), the cycling community, bike paths, weekly local races, the amazing support of The Cyclery and Stevens Bikes—I wouldn't be racing bikes without Vince Caceres, Steve Proulx and Peter Metuzels!

click to see pictures of Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike RaceQuestion: Is there anything else we should know about you?

A: Good wine and Swiss chocolate are the secrets of my success. In fact, due to a typo on my name sticker for my bikes, my name has been (unofficially) changed to Sue Schlatté—as in a new drink you could buy at Starbuck's – one with lots of whipping cream and chocolate sprinkles!