Racer Interviews: Alison Ross

This is the second in a series of ArcticCross racer interviews. This will be a chance to get to know some of the competitors, whether they typically finish in 1st or 20th. Being a democratic organization, we also welcome nominations! Let us know who should be next on our hit list.

ArcticCross has been through many changes, and a bit of growth, since its debut in 2004. But the one constant has been our youngest rider, Alison Ross. Alliy has raced nearly every single ArcticCross, and always seems to do so with a smile... even in our often miserable weather. We hope that more junior cyclists out there take notice and decide to give 'cross a try.

9/27/2007
Nick: Alliy, first of all; How old are you and when did you first start racing bikes?

Alliy: I’m 14, and I think I started racing 4 years ago in the beginning of Arctic Cross.

Nick: You seem to come from a cyclocross-crazy family. How did you first get started racing 'cross?

Alliy: Well my uncle Brad kinda got us all into it when Will, my brother, started racing competitively, and I just followed in my big brothers footsteps, and started racing a little myself. I really got into it when we got our own series started in Alaska.
(Interviewer's Note: "Uncle Brad" is Brad Ross, the organizer of Oregon's Cross Crusade; the largest cyclocross event in the world. Will Ross was the 2004 ArcticCross Junior Champ and is now attending Fort Lewis College in Durango. Bruce, Alliy's dad, is the ArcticCross race course designer)

Nick: I noticed that you are on a real cross bike this year, tell us what you're riding.

Alliy: I ride Will’s old Redline Conquest Pro that he got about 4 years ago, and I just acquired it this year when he left for college. I also use it as a road bike over the summer in triathlons, and other races.

Nick: What other sports do you compete in?

Alliy: I’m a year round cross-country skier with the Alaska Winter Stars, training like all the time, and of course I bike, because that’s kind of unavoidable when you're a Ross, and this year I decided to take up swimming at Service High in hopes to be a faster triathlete next summer.

Nick: Will we see you racing ArcticCross again next year?

Alliy: Of Course! I wouldn’t miss it for for the world! Its so much fun, I just bike and smile all race long.

Nick: Thanks Alliy, and good luck in the Series Championships!