Photo: Jeff Kennel

Athlete:
Caleb Swartz

Home base:
Indianapolis, Indiana

Main sport:
Cyclocross/Mountain Bike

How did you get into the sport?
I grew up watching my parents race, and when I was nine years old I decided I wanted to try it too. I immediately fell in love, and this is now my 9th season of mountain bike racing and my 10th season of cyclocross racing.

Do you compete for a team or for sponsors?
I race for Trek Cyclocross Collective.

Greatest personal accomplishment: 
In cyclocross, my greatest accomplishment has been placing 32 in the 2017 World Championships in Bieles, Luxembourg. For mountain bike, winning the 2017 Mountain Bike National Championships 15-18 Short Track title.

Athlete you look up to and why?
I greatly look up to my teammate and mentor Brian Matter. He has been racing mountain bikes professionally for almost 20 years and has taught me a lot about racing and training over the past few years. We also both love eating tacos and hitting jumps any time or place, so we get along well.

What is your profession (if not your sport)?
I am currently a student at Marian University in Indianapolis, studying biology and racing collegiately.

Favorite Stinger fuel:
Organic Caramel Waffle

Fueling tip – when do you eat your Stinger?
-For mountain bike races I take a Stinger gel every lap, alternating caffeinated and non-caffeinated.
-For cyclocross I take a non-caffeinated gel 15 minutes before the start and a caffeinated gel right before the start.
-For training rides I like to change things up by bringing bars, waffles, gels and chews on longer rides so that I have options.

Words of wisdom:
-Keeping your training and racing fun is key to sustainability and success.
-Foam rolling, stretching and compression socks are all extremely helpful for recovery, in addition to Honey Stinger Protein Bars and Mike’s Mix Endurance Recovery Drink .

Photo: Kenny Wehn

Stay connected with Caleb…

Instagram: @cswartzz
Twitter: @cswartzz
Blog: http://calebcycling.blogspot.com