Evan Fader... So Hot Right Now

by Robb Hampton, Features Editor

(photo credit: Amy Jones)

For many riders, finding the balance within oneself is a journey that is often never found. Kelly Benefits Elite Team Rider, Evan Fader, claims that balance has been found..and he has the results to prove it. 2010 marks Fader's first year with Kelly Benefits and so far, it's been a season worth noting. Evan has stood on the top spot of the podium at Vint Hill Criterium, Walkersville Road Race, and Chantilly Criterium. He also has his name next to other top finishings to mark the young season.

Evan has a rich history of elite level racing among MABRA's finest. Evan came to the scene racing for Capitol Hill Bikes/Route 1 Velo as a Cat 3 in 2006. After receiving his upgrade, Evan signed up to the Rockville Battley Harley Davidson powerhouse and enjoyed great success between during the 2007 and 2008 seasons, most notably stepping on the podium at Iron Hill Twilight in Pennsylvania. He had a brief stint at Richmond Pro Cycling last year before heading over to Kelly Benefits for 2010.

We had a brief sit down with Evan over lunch in mid April. Evan is quiet yet he is direct and to the point. Perhaps this is a reflection of his racing style and how he trains. We find out a bit more about the mysterious inner workings of the one they call "Darth Fader," his new team, and a few fond memories of a training camp from years' past.


Like many amateurs, you now have a day job. This is different than previous seasons where you were focused mainly on bike racing, hunting NRC points, and dreaming of being a domestic pro. You are having the best season yet. What up wit dat?

I found an inner peace with myself. Life is more balanced these days. I found my wife, got a job I like. Life is good. My fiancé is coaching me too, which has been awesome. Aside from knowing her stuff she has been super motivating. She makes sure that I stay on track.


Did you fall in love with your coach or decide to get coached by your fiancé?

Love came first, then coaching. I figured she knew her stuff so she could help me a little. It took awhile before she started writing me plans. She really is just guiding since I have a huge input to how I train.


Wow. What a love story. I smell an NBC mini series in the making. Make sure my part is played by Val Kilmer..or Rob Lowe. This whole time I thought you found your inner peace by going to meditation retreats all winter long with Ian Birlem, your former Battley Harley Davidson teammate.

No, I think that is a post bike racer thing to do.  I am still having fun racing.


You now have a full time job, a soon to be wife, and you are racing your bike. It sounds like you are probably just like a lot of GamJams readers in that respect.

I work more then I ever have before. I am an enginerd now. I tried for a few years to race full time but all that ended up happening is me being broke. I enjoy this lifestyle much more than the other. Plus, I always had the feeling like I needed to do something more then just train and race. Doing something other than racing my bike is rewarding to me. Life is more fulfilling this way.


You have bounced around a few teams the last couple years but it seems like you have found a home with Kelly. What up wit dat?

I have to say that I have made some really good friends on the teams that I have been on. Some not so much. I think that Kelly has done things right. There is a nice balance between older guys and young studs. It makes for a nice environment to teach and learn. The team is really well balanced with the type of riders it has too, from climbers to crit junkies I think we have them all. Everyone on the team wants to win, but no one seems to have too much of an ego.


Kelly Benefit Strategies also sponsors a professional team. Are you planning on doing any races with them?

No, we are a elite team with no affiliation with the pro team other then title sponsor. However, some of the young guys will probably get there chance. Kelly has a rich history. Matt Cooke, Tom Soladay, Nate Wilson. Murray Davis, awesome dude. He is the manager. Takes care of everything, I don't need to stress about anything and things are done very professional. I have never experienced anything so well run. Rick Norton has also had a big hand in developing riders.


Then what are your goals for 2010 if it's not to become professional pack fill?

I want to win races and rip legs off. I would love to have the chance to race on a pro squad, but I am not sure that it is in the cards for me. I just want to win races and have fun.


I feel that my presence in Tucson three years ago during your winter long training camp had a lot to do with this recent success. Thoughts?

It did. We shared the hot tub. You slept in my closet. We watched Curb Your Enthusiasm all day after riding. I laid in the fetal position on Mount Lemmon after bonking. Every morning you would wake up and we’d  “wrob came out of the closet.”  I hold those memories dear in my heart.


Last question. You have two squiggly lines tattooed on the back of your calf.  A lot of riders have had to stare at it a lot over the years. Can you give some explanation on what your tattoo is?

Charlie Brown. Tire marks. Mountains. Whatever you want.

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Not buying it. Just as with Evan, himself, his tattoo is still a mystery to everybody, myself included. Watch out for Evan as he takes on a full MABRA schedule as well as top regional races, such as Speedweek that is currently in full swing this week.

(Evan's fiancé is Sarah Caravella. She is equally as fast and rides for the BMW Bianchi Elite Cycling Team. If you are interested in her coaching services, email her.)

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Besides being the judge of hotness for GamJams, Robb Hampton is a husband, father, avid cyclist with a certifiably average VO2Max. Robb races for the Cat 3 Bike Doctor Racing Team. 

Comments

[Lance Lacy]

I'm going with the Charlie Brown one.when I see Sarah and Evan together I call them the power couple,if they have a kid it will be another Taylor Phinney but much better looking lol.

[Charles (Chuck) Hutcheson]

Unfortunatly, I have spent to much time behind Fader and have had time to stare and ponder the tatoo. I have decided that they are waves, water or flowing pee.

[julie kuliecza]

Evan is such a nice guy so you can only be stoked for him. It should also be noted that Sarah coaches Amanda Watson of Fruit 66/ Atremis. She has also been ripping legs off the competition this season. Good coaching = good outcomes

[willie]

Go Evan...uncle willie

[Ben]

How about spelling "Kelly" correctly you crazy glue sniffer! They've spent several years sponsoring amateur and professional teams - it's the least you can do.

[Mike May]

It's not clear if you're calling Evan or GamJams the glue sniffer. If it's us, we await the results of the B sample.