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
