Meet the Team - Chris Liebsch

Hometown: Redmond, WA, but was born in St. Louis, MO

Racing category: Cat 4 in Cyclocross, Sport in MTB

Years racing: 1.5

Racing highlight: 3rd place White River Revival 2008, Beginner Men (35-44 yrs)

Favorite racing venue: Bavarian Bike & Brew Fest, Leavenworth. I love the downhills and the water bars. I was so pumped that I almost killed myself last year when I shot off a water bar and landed on just my front wheel and continued in a nose wheelie for 6-10 feet.

Location most likely to be riding: My commute takes me on the trails of 520, Sammamish River, Tolt Pipeline, Puget Power, and through the Redmond Watershed.

Years on team: This is my first.

Why I joined the team: I like the team's focus on mountain, cyclocross and downhill racing. I hope to get involved with team rides outside of races to help improve my skills.

Goal for 2009: Improve my mtb technical skills to the point that I can ride all obstacles at the Lake Padden venue. Last season I had to walk over a couple of them. This goal will be especially challenging since I have moved up to Sport and will now ride the entire course.

Long term goal: Stay healthy!

First bike: It was a little blue singlespeed bike with a big, black banana seat. It had super tall riser handlebars and I liked to clip playing cards to the frame with clothespins and buzz around the neighborhood.

Time spent off the bike: Playing PC and PS3 games, playing Dungeon & Dragons, skiing, backpacking, canoeing, fishing, reading...presently I am into anthropology and genetics books.

Support crew: My wife Claudia, who also joined the team this year, and my main man Donovan, who is currently 3 years 3 months old.

Interesting fact most people don't know about me: I still like Speed Metal...Slayer, Strapping Young Lad, Sepltura, Exumer, Annihilator, old Megadeth & Metallica. Mom said once I grew up I would stop listening to the stuff...I guess moms don't know everything!

Shout Out to our sponsors: I love Ritchey SpeedMax Pro Tires!!! Initially I bought them for cyclocross, but found out they work especially well for me on the hard-packed trails I commute on. I also love FSA cranksets!!!.