Matt proved to be a tireless worker for Health Net Presented by Maxxis in 2007, proving that every win is a team win. He will look to continue his development, and to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves in 2008.
Date of Birth/Location: 4.15.85; Hong Kong
Height: 6'
Weight: 148 lbs
Current Residence: Athens, GA/Old Greenwich, CT
Education (include years): University of Colorado (1 semester)
Years Racing: 7
Years as a Pro: 2
Previous Team(s)/Year(s): Health Net Presented by Maxxis (2007), U.S.A U23 National Team (2004-2006), Snow Valley (2004/2005), Hot Tubes (2003)
Strengths on the bike:
Time trials, breakaways
Strengths off the bike:
I'm easily entertained
Nickname: Crazy Legs
Family Status: Single
Favorite Movies:
Fargo, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, American Beauty
Currently on my iPod:
The Smiths, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Radiohead, Keith Jarrett, Neil Young, Mogwai
Little known fact about Matt:
Don't litter in front of me! (Or ever)
Website/Blog: mattcrane.missingsaddle.com
Palmares
Career Highlights
Member of 2004 U23 World Championship team
Wins:
2007
1st Stage 1 TTT, International Tour de Toona
2003
1st Time Trial, Fitchburg-Longsjo Classic (junior)
1st Tour of Somerville (junior)
KOM overall Le Trophee Centre Morbihan (junior)
Other Major Results:
2007
2nd Stage 1 TT, Fitchburg-Longsjo Classic
3rd Overall, Best Young Rider Competition, Tour of Missouri
4th Stage 7, Tour of Taiwan
6th Under-23 National Time Trial Championship
8th Overall Fitchburg Longsjo Classic
2006
4th Stage 4, GP William Tell (SWI 2.2)
6th Stage 5, GP William Tell (SWI 2.2)
5th Stage 6, Vuelta Ciclista a Llieda (ESP, UCI 2.2)
2004
3rd Stage 3, Tour de 'Toona
4th Murrysville Classic
3rd Overall, Tour de Mouselle (FRA, UCI 2.13).
3rd Stage 5, Tour de Mouselle (FRA, UCI 2.13)
5th Stage 2, Circuit de Trois Provinces (FRA, UCI 2.13)
2003
2nd Overall, Le Tour de L'Abitibi
In his own words
As the youngest member of the team last year (and this year, again), 2007 proved to be another learning experience. What did you take away from the racing, and from your teammates?
Racing this year was an opportunity to learn from the best in the business; and also a lot of fun. Riding the front back-to-back days in a lot of the stage races I did has helped me develop physically, and having guys on the team who are always willing to answer questions or give me pointers has saved me from finding out a lot of things the hard way.
Do you expect more of the same for the 2008 season, or do you think you'll get a few more opportunities to ride for yourself?
With the team we have for 2008, I fully expect there to be plenty more days of riding the front, but with the experience and development I have gained from last season, I will also be looking for my own opportunities when appropriate. Mainly, I'm looking forward to having more freedom in the time trials to do my own ride and continue my development in that discipline.
How did you spend this off-season?
I took a vacation in Europe that was absolutely worth it, but way too expensive. I did some backpacking in the Georgia mountains and realized how unfit I am for anything but turning pedals all day. Mainly, I relaxed and did all the things I would normally feel guilty about in race season.
When did you start racing, and why?
I thought it would impress girls. By and large, it doesn't. Luckily racing turned out to be my favorite thing about life, so I've stuck with it since day one.
Who were/are your cycling mentors and/or influences?
Dad, Mirek Mazur (my coach), the guys at Dave's Cycle, Tom Masterson, Toby Stanton and Noel Dejonckheere.
What was your first bike? When/how did you get it?
The bike that got it all started was a Specialized Rockhopper. It was my 14th birthday present, and is still the best present I've ever gotten.
What was your first win?
So long ago now that I couldn't say. I'm more focused on my NEXT win, and I feel that after so long without one, odds are it can't be too far off.
What would you consider your finest moment on the bike?
Any one of the days when I was able to help our guys win a race.
What was your worst or most embarrassing moment on the bike?
Crashing on the third lap; then throwing up a few laps further down during the World Championships.
What's the strangest thing you've seen on a bike ride?
We had a stampede of escaped French cows run next to us during a race. The strange part is that despite all the chaos, the cows were very orderly and stayed in the right lane and we were able to follow normal traffic laws and pass them in the left lane.
What's the strangest thing you've done on a bike ride?
Everything that springs to mind is either inappropriate or will forever warp people's impression of me. Next question.
What's the one thing you've done on a ride (training or race) that you will absolutely never do again?
Break my collarbone on a coffee shop ride (knock on wood).
When you're not on your bike, what do you like to do?
Connect with nature, people, and places; read, write and listen to music.
If you weren't a professional cyclist, what would you be doing?
Conservation work and/or a high school English teacher.
