TeamTheShack had the opportunity to catch up with Chris Carmichael. Yes, THAT Chris Carmichael. Known by many as “Lance’s coach,” Chris is also a US Cycling National Team member, Olympian, Tour de France competitor, book author, and most importantly - founder and CEO of his famous namesake coaching firm Carmichael Training Systems (http://www.trainright.com).

Chris has a unique fan perspective having been a member of the 7-Eleven cycling team that participated in the 1986 Tour de France and finds that if he isn’t being a fan or riding in front of fans, he’s working hard to ensure athletes of all abilities provide us a reason to become fans. His experience on and off the bike provides a unique perspective and we were pleased to have a few moments out of his schedule. Talk about the Tour? Nope. About the Olympics? Nope. Only by showing incredible (think Superman and kryptonite) restraint were we able to get right down to business…we wanted to talk about cycling fans!

TeamTheShack: Have cycling fans changed over the years?

Chris: Yes and no. They are no more devoted than they were years ago, but now they have much more information and much greater access to athletes and teams. In the US, especially, we used to have to wait more than a month to read about European races in cycling magazines. I think it was the September issue of Winning magazine that used to be the Tour de France issue. Now we have the Tour live on television, instant updates from races all over the world, including video. Fans can be more engaged now and see an athlete’s hard work and struggles during the early season, his flashes of brilliance as his form starts to come around, and his great triumph at some major event. The depth of coverage helps riders seem more human by allowing fans to see them at all points in the year, at the highs and the lows.

TeamTheShack: Are the cycling fans different in different countries? How so?

Chris: There are some differences, for sure. It’s hard to beat the Dutch and Aussies – maybe the Basques – for organized, massive displays of hysteria. They’ll pack dozens of people onto a street corner or line the length of a climb with people pained head to toe in their nations colors, waving flags, screaming at the top of their lungs. Fans from other countries do the same things, but rarely with such unanimity. And then, of course, there are the Belgian cyclocross fans. For Americans, the only comparison might be a stadium full of those guys at football games who paint their bellies and drink beer, outdoors, with no shirt on, when it’s below freezing. Overall, though, the fans in cycling are some of the greatest sports fans in the world. They have incredible access to athletes. They can get right next to the action, stand on the road as their heroes approach and stream by. For all that has been made of boorishness of a few fans, it’s undeniable that the vast majority are respectful and responsible. It would be interesting to see what would happen if you let baseball fans stand along the first and third baselines, or let football fans stand along the sidelines.

TeamTheShack: How do fans differ among the various sports you’ve been involved in?

Chris: Each sport has a slightly different culture. Cycling fans are unique because they have direct access to the “playing field”. Golf and tennis fans seem pretty subdued because they are supposed to be quiet while athletes are competing, but they are just as passionate as rowdy soccer or rugby fans. And of course, there’s a difference between fans of team sports and sports where there is one winner (even if that winner is a member of team). When you’re a football fan, you love your team, but when you’re a fan of cycling or triathlon, tennis, or even NASCAR, you’re more often a fan of a particular athlete, and you support that person’s team (if they have one), but the team is secondary to your fervor for an individual athlete.

TeamTheShack: Memorable fan moments from either a rider or coach perspective?

Chris: I remember racing the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France in 1985 and 1986, respectively, and at the time there weren’t that many American fans along the sides of the roads. It wasn’t like recent years when there have been American fans and flags lining the climbs and barricades of major races throughout the world. Back in the mid 80s, seeing or hearing an American encouraging you from the side of a major climb in the Alps or Dolomites was rare, but had a big impact on us. Often, we felt very isolated racing in Europe, and the American fans really helped us feel supported and encouraged.

TeamTheShack: Fan etiquette tips?

·       During races, get out of the way.

·       Try to be considerate of all the demands on an athlete’s time. Most athletes will take as much time as they can to interact with fans, but there’s not always enough time.

·       No spitting or throwing things, at anyone, ever.

·       If you want an athlete’s autograph, being ready with a pen and something to write on will improve your chances of success. The athlete is not likely to stop and stand there while you search around for a pen.

TeamTheShack: What kind of fan shouldn’t people be?

Chris: I’ve never really understood fans who become so enamored with one athlete that they grow to dislike or scorn another one. There’s no excuse for fans who try to disrupt the game or race in an effort to give their favorite athlete an advantage – or keep the athlete they don’t like from succeeding. I think when fans approach sports from a place where they respect all athletes’ abilities and dedication, then they can effectively root for their favorites without disparaging that athlete’s opponents.

TeamTheShack: What kind of fan are you (or are you?) a fan when you’re not “at work?” (we know Chef Duffy is NOT a cycling fan inside or outside of work…all business. But he is still hilarious).

Chris: I’m a fan of sport in general, and endurance sports above the rest. I was recently presented the Cycling Legends Award at the Endurance Sports Awards (which I think just means I’m getting old!). When I accepted the award I mentioned that I believe the reason people love watching live sports – and the reason I love watching live sports, of any kind – is that we understand that at any moment we might see greatness happen. And when we witness greatness, especially the spontaneous, unpredictable kind, it reminds us that we can achieve something great at any given time as well.  And since I was an elite athlete, albeit a long time ago, I’m a fan of sports because I can relate to the work the athletes I’m watching have completed in order to perform as they are. When I see an athlete giving his or her last ounce of energy in an effort to win, I remember what that feels like. I don’t try to live vicariously through the athletes I watch on TV or in person, but watching thrilling sporting events I know my heart rate increases, my muscles tighten, and I sit on the edge of the seat or get out of it altogether. I manage to stop myself from yelling at the television, though…

TeamTheShack: If only we should be so restrained as to not yell at the TV or the internet feeds…Chris, THANKS for your time, LIVESTRONG and WE’RE READY!!