Sarah Hammer

Nancy caught up with her friend Sarah Hammer for a chat.

Sarah Hammer is an American cyclist from California, her dad (Cliff Hammer) introduced her to cycling when she was only 8 years old, she’s been racing since she was 12 and won her first National title in 1995.

After competing for many years Sarah retired from cycling in 2003 burned out from the rigors of competitive cycling, but in 2004 she found inspiration again in the Olympic Games of Athens, watching her old teammates and rivals competing at the highest level.

She came back to cycling to show the world what she was capable of; she has amazing discipline and a willingness to do things right, always looking for perfection.

It’s her personality along with the support of her coach (and husband) Andy Sparks that has lead Sarah to become World Champion 4 times, member of the United States Olympic Team in 2008 (where she finished 5th in the individual pursuit), winning multiple World Cups and breaking 2 World Records last year in the PanAm Champs (individual pursuit and team pursuit with compatriots Dotsie Bausch and Lauren Tamayo.)

[N] It was pretty impressive to watch you break the World Record in Aguascalientes last year, when you walked to the start line you had that look in your eyes saying that you were going for it. What did it mean to you? Where you targeting that when you went to Aguascalientes?

[S] Yes, when I decided to go down to Aguascalientes I went to try to break the Individual Pursuit Record.  We knew it was a great opportunity in a race environment that doesn’t come by very often.  The track was brand new, really beautifully built and at an altitude of around 6000 feet.

[N] It was also great to see Andy coaching you and cheering for you every step of the way, I know is a victory for the two of you. What is it like to have him as a coach?

[S] Yes, it’s great, he is my biggest supporter hands down.  It’s such an amazing journey that we both have been a part of, and together every step of the way.

Sarah Hammer World Track Championships – ©Copyright Paul Sloper

[N] It’s no secret that you’re targeting the gold medal in London Olympics. How did your preparation change when the UCI removed the Individual Pursuit and put the Omnium in the Olympic program?

[S] Yes it was a pretty big blow to hear the news of the removal of the individual from the program.  Although I have had some success with the new omnium I still believe that it was a total mistake to remove the individual pursuit.  I am excited about the new Women’s Team Pursuit and I think that this is only going to make women’s cycling grow and get more depth.

[N] We all saw you winning almost every competition in the last track season; whatever you’re doing you’re definitely doing it right. What does it takes to be in top form for the omnium?

[S] A lot of hard work!!  No, really I do a medley of different things in a week, from road rides to track and gym.  Each time I’m on the track I’m working something specific for the omnium.  So it does keep it fresh and new but some days I long for my pursuit bars!!

World Championships Apeldoorn – ©Copyright VeloImages

[N] You and Andy were based in Switzerland the past season and now you are based in Spain, it doesn’t matter where you’re based, you are always traveling for races or training camps. I know from experience that being away from home is very hard, especially when is a country with a different culture and language. What kind of impact does it have on your life? Do you ever get homesick?

[S] Absolutely I do get homesick sometimes.  I miss my family and my puppies.  I do keep in touch regularly with my parents each week on Skype so that’s good.  The major positive is that I am here with my husband so that makes things a lot easier.

Sofi Arreola congratulating Sarah after Women’s 3000 Metre Individual Pursuit World Record ©Copyright Nancy Arreola

[N] What do you miss the most when you are away from home?

[S] I miss the food the most.  I am a SoCal [Southern California] girl so I need my Mexican food!!

[N] What do you like to do when you have a break from racing, do you have a hobby?

[S] I love exploring new places and hiking, that sort of thing.  I am a major book reader.

[N] What are your plans for the next season?

[S] Next season plans are to keep progressing by earning points in both the Omnium and the Team Pursuit.  Try to win a world title next year in Melbourne and then hopefully get to stand on the podium in a years time in London.

[N] Can you give advice to other riders that are trying to succeed?

[S] Give your 100% commitment in training and racing.  Whatever you‘re doing right now, do it 100%

[N] Thank you for your time Sarah, I think everyone is excited to see you racing again. You’re a great role model and an inspiration to many riders and I hope you have another extraordinary season towards the London Olympics and accomplish that dream of winning the gold medal!

 

Sarah & husband Andy – USA Olympic Team Beijing

To find more out about Sarah click here to go to her website.

To find out more about the USA Cycling Team click here.

 

Sarah’s major career results include:

– Four-time World Track Cycling Champion
– 2008 United States Olympic Team
– World Record Holder – 3 Kilometer Individual Pursuit (3.22.2)
– Ten Times World Cup Gold Medalist
– 20 National Championship Cycling Titles

 

Our thanks to Sarah and all the photographers.

©Copyright 2011 Nancy Arreola & Anna Magrath @ Cycling Shorts. Please do not reproduce any content without permission from either Nancy or Anna and the photographers.


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