KK's Colleague Weighs In On His Second World Record Attempt

When KK isn't out training for his next big race or world record, he is an Inside Sales Representative for Giant Bicycle, Inc. Here is what one of his outside Account Executives, Cindy Lacotta, has to say about his second attempt at a World Record:

1.       How long have you known KK? Where did you meet?

CL: I have “known” KK for a long time…I remember when he first came on board with Giant.  Our AE at the time (I worked at a shop then) couldn’t wait to tell us about his new inside partner.  I can still remember him excitedly talking about all of KK’s accomplishments…raced pro, managed Susan DiMattei when she won USA’s first ever Olympic mountain biking medal, etc.  I actually did not physically get to meet him until years later…it seemed that our Interbike schedules never meshed.  It was good to finally put the face to the voice!

 2.       What do you think of KK going for another World Record and his chances of breaking another record?

CL: I think it is awesome.  Giant has the best bikes in the world, and there is no better way to prove it.   I know all of the training that KK puts in…I love hearing about his workouts…and it is great to see an end result like an hour record.  Also, even though it might sound like watching someone go around and around for an hour is pretty boring, I have to say that watching his first record breaking run was one of the most exciting sporting events I have ever witnessed…I am so glad I was able to be there in person to be a part of the experience.

 3.       How has KK’s World Hour Record attempts influenced you?

CL: I am always inspired every time I hear about one of KK’s workouts.  I always like to try them and see how I stack up.  (not well!)  KK is also a role model to me that he is still so successful at such a, um, mature age.  J  I refuse to believe that age is an excuse…KK is the perfect illustration of that.  He is also a role model to me in how to balance work and with an intense training and racing schedule.  Any time I skip a workout and use work as an excuse, I think of KK.  It is all about being well organized and very disciplined.

4.       What is the general feedback from retailers when learning of KK’s second attempt?

CL: My dealers are very excited about this.  Almost all of my dealers have his autographed poster hanging up; many of them watched the live streaming webcast of his first record ride.  Dealers love hearing about race results from our sponsored athletes (Adam Craig, Katie Compton, Rabobank, etc.), but KK is extra special because he is one of us.  He is someone we actually get to talk to every day.  He is a working Joe.  And, um, there’s that mature thing again.  He is an inspiration to all of us.

5.       What words of advice/encouragement do you have for KK?

CL: Go fast.  Turn left.  J

 6.       What is your most memorable KK memory?

CL: One of the things I remember the most from his first ride is the last few laps.  All of us who came to see him were leaned over the rails and were slapping the boards to cheer him on.  The feeling was absolutely electric!  However, I still think my most memorable KK memory was watching him step off his bike and almost collapse.  I have never seen KK so utterly wasted before.  I remember that was when it really sunk into me how epic his ride was.  KK made it look so easy while he out there on the track!  J