Jim Thomas
Hometown
Chatham, MA
Date of Birth
6 July 1976
Category
2
Profession
PA Orthopedic Surgery
Years Racing
6
Hobbies
Guitar, Travel, Bulking up in the offseason
Specialized Tarmac Pro SL Frame Size
58
Selected Palmares
2009 – 7th Tour of Gila Criterium Cat 2 – 2nd Rick Newhouse Memorial Criterium P=2C1=2C2 – 4th Chris Hinds Memorial Criterium P=2C1=2C2
2008 – 5th Ride Sally Ride Criterium – P=2C1=2C2 – 10th Sturbridge Road Race – Cat 3/4
2007 – Connecticut State Criterium Champion Cat 3 – 2nd Fitchubrg Longsjo Criterium – Cat 3 – 1st NBX Ninigret Criterium – Cat 3 – 3rd Nutmeg Classic Criterium – Cat 3 – 3rd Kelly Cup – Cat 3
in his own words
What are your goals for 2009?
Upgrade to Cat 1 and help my teammates in any way I can
What is your Favorite Race?
Fitchburg Longsjo – isn’t it for every local racer?
When did you start racing, how and why?
I would say my dad was my influence to start racing. He started taking me to races when I was 5. I remember watching the Longsjo and knowing I wanted to do that someday. Bought a bike in 2001 and started riding. It was tough getting the lycra to fit in the beginning (230 lbs)=2C but I am a svelt 195 now!
Who were/are your cycling mentors and/or influences?
My dad, whose enthusiasm inspires me to keep racing and improving. The guys and girls on the Leominster group Tuesday night group rides (Tom Orsini, Chet, Darren, Natalie, Luciano, tattoo Dave, and the Hult brothers). Those guys taught me how to suffer.
What was your worst or most embarrassing moment on the bike?
Actually recently happened. Went out on an attack on the last lap of the Sterling Road Race. Hadn’t fully recovered from my dehydration in New Mexico. My legs cramped so bad that I had to leap off the bike and rolled around on the ground in pain. Must have been funny to watch from the peleton.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen on a bike ride?
I think I look pretty strange on a bike!
What’s the one thing you’ve done on a ride (training or race) that you will absolutely never do again?
Drink baking soda before a race.
Who’s the biggest badass on two wheels?
Tom Boonen and Floyd Landis
My philosophy on training/bike maintenance/diet is …
Go hard, recover harder.