Team Garmin-Transitions’ Christian Meier sat down with Aussie journalists Anthony Tan for an in-depth interview on Velonews.
Do not assume for one moment that Christian Meier’s innocent baby face translates to an aversion for hard work or that the 24-year-old Canadian hasn’t already experienced his share of life’s hardship. In Garmin-Transitions’ second-year recruit, VeloNews discovers an individual of quiet, burning ambition, who believes the tragic loss of a family member may well lead to a life both far from ordinary and highly rewarding.
VeloNews: You had a relatively lean season last year, compared to 2007 and 2008. Did your entry into the ProTour with Garmin-Slipstream have something to do with it?
Christian Meier: Last year for me was a very big learning experience in general. Racing in Europe and full-time in the ProTour is a lot different than what I was used to in North America. Racing in Europe was something I always felt suited me a lot better. But doing a lot of big races and experiencing (them) for the first time, and experiencing how to do all my duties as a domestique. … Last year was just all about getting as much as experience as I could in Europe.
VN: Besides the size of the peloton and the speed of the racing, what are some of the biggest adjustments you have to make from elite amateur to domestic pro to ProTour pro?
CM: I’d say the biggest difference is probably the distance of the races. The classics are around 260k, versus your average 110, 120k (races) in North America. That and longer stage races, doing my first grand tour … I mean, doing three weeks of racing, you go through a lot of ups and downs and new experiences, which are pretty cool.
