BFC 2014 Men’s Champion: Alec Donahue
from Easthampton, MA
Time: 1:46:22 (Men’s Cyclocross, 30-39 age class)
Alec defended his BFC title and set a record for the second year in a row!
Team: Captain of Team JAM Fund
Age: 37 (as of BFC 2014 race day)
Occupation: Cycling coach, organizes UCI races & cycling camps.
Alec is a repeat champion so instead of the usual profile info we asked him a few different questions…
What’s new with you, Alec? Our team had a really big year in cyclocross. We had wins at the highest level in the U.S., a national champion, racing in Europe, worlds team selection, and another signing to a top pro team.
You brought a group last year. Are you bringing more this year? I brought a few of our riders last year, and we plan on bringing 4-6 again this year. They range in age from 17 to late 20s.
What is your opinion of Fat Bikes? Do you think we should add a Fat Bike category?
The more the merrier. I have only heard good things about them, so they should try the Fly.
Cycling & Athletic Experience: Alec runs Team JAM Fund, a non-profit cycling organization. “We run a developmental cycling program where we help kids get into racing, buy licenses, help them with training. We have a van that we use to drive them to the races. Each year we bring a couple more people to the BFC.”
Training: Starts to do training rides in April, does occasional trail runs.
Cycling Goals: Alec said before last year’s race that he wanted to repeat as BFC Champ. He accomplished that goal and more, setting the record for fastest time for the second year in a row. He now owns the record in both directions. And as far as coaching goes, “I’m always looking to improve my coaching techniques so I’ll do some trials on myself. I’m always tinkering with my training, just trying not to get too much slower as I get older.”
Why the BFC? Learned about it from NYCROSS members; “I try to promote it (the BFC) when I’m talking to other racers.” “The course is super fun, lots of course marshals, everything was well marked. My only comment is that I didn’t see any black flies.”
How is the BFC different than other races? Alec likes that it’s point to point, “It’s unique to start in one place and end up in another place.” “The remoteness of it is really interesting too. You don’t really see any cars or traffic. It makes it feel like even more of a professional event. It feels big time even for the amateurs. The mass start is another thing that’s unique. I like that everybody starts at the same time… there’s more people to ride with. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or woman, young or old… you have a great group of people to ride with. I like racing with whoever can race.”
Etc.: Likes Indian Lake to Inlet BFC race route better because of the singletrack at the end. Likes BFC better than Battenkill. “The Black Fly is a fantastic value” and “Nothing against Battenkill, but I like more dirt roads.”
