Matt was a first lieutenant of teammate Phil Zajicek when the roads went upwards during many stage races in 2007 while they both rode for Navigators. Matt is a strong climber, who will be there for the team's top GC riders in the mountains this year.

Date of Birth/Location: 8/5/79

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 130 lbs

Current Residence: Boulder, CO

Education:
BA in business, American University, 2003

Years Racing: 4

Years as a Pro: 2

Previous Teams:
Navigator's Insurance, 2007

Strengths on the bike:
Climbing, races of attrition

Strengths off the bike:
Baking and then using my food to make new friends. Conservation of greatness. Telling people what I think of their music collection.

Nickname: I'm waiting for a new one but here are some from the past: Squish me, Saul, Cosmo, HP.

Family Status: Single

Favorite Movies: Rad. It's the best movie about cycling, EVER!

Currently on my iPod: Hall & Oats, New Edition, Bel Biv Devo, Kool & The Gang, Falco, Dylan, Lennon, Elton John, Girl Talk

Palmares

Wins:

2006
1st Elite National Road Race Championship
1st Giro de Coppi
1st Clarendon Cup

2005
1st Overall, Tour of Ohio

Other Major Results:

2007 3rd Overall, San Dimas Stage Race
2006

2005
6th Australian Long Course Triathlon National Championships

2004
US Duathlon World Championship Team member
Ranked top 30 in the World for the sport of duathlon

In his own words

How did you spend your off-season?

I was spending my time drinking coffee, eating pastries and making apple pies when my condo burned down and forced me back to D.C. All in all, I spent my time pumping iron.

What are your goals or expectations for the 2008 season?

I expect to be an integral part of this coming race season, aid in forming a cohesive team with a foundation for excellence, and basically enjoy many many wins with my friends.

When did you start racing, and why?

My first race began when I realized there existed more than one bike. And why? Because I love it. Why else?

Who were/are your cycling mentors and/or influences?

I have become privy to the joy of wheels through Phil Zajicek. The man's got it together, what can I say?

What was your first bike? When/how did you get it?

I was seven and my sweet bike was a Huffy BMX. I jumped that rig until the cows came home.

What was your first win?

An obstacle course at summer camp was my first taste of victory on a bike.

What would you consider your finest moment on the bike?

I think winning Elite Nationals in 2006 was pretty good but maybe more fun was the entire Tour of Ohio in 2005. I won the overall, which was great, but racing with my friends was even more rewarding. Most impressive though would be some of the stuff I've pulled in traffic in downtown D.C.

What was your worst or most embarrassing moment on the bike?

Having Ben Brooks yell at me during a race in Europe. I have since become a real man.

What's the strangest thing you've seen on a bike ride?

Kangaroos on the race course in Australia.

What's the one thing you've done on a ride (training or race) that you will absolutely never do again?

Trying to text message a cute girl while getting a feed from the team car.

When you're not on your bike, what do you like to do?

First stand on the scale (too fat) and then drink coffee at every cafe in Boulder.

If you weren't a pro cyclist, what would you be doing?

A fat pastry chef/consumer.