Quinn Simmons is a professional road cyclist who rides for Trek-Segafredo. At just 20 years old, he is part of a new generation of American road cyclists achieving success in the WorldTour that the country has not seen in generations. He was the first junior male road race World Champion since Greg Lemond, and won the Tour de Wallonie overall in 2021. He's also achieved top results in the Vuelta a España and the Strade Bianche, and was long-listed for the 2021 Tour de France.
In this conversation, he and Payson talk about the driving ambition and competitive mindset that have rocketed him to success after his junior career. He talks about the influence of his family and the potential of his younger brother, Colby, who recently joined the Jumbo-Visma Development Team. They discuss his tumultuous relationship with the media at the beginning of his WorldTour career that left him suspended from the team for two months in 2020. He talks about how his view of the media and professional racing have shifted since then, and why he's more determined than ever to become World Champion. They also talk about his interest in another White Rim FKT attempt, setting a Leadville 100 course record, and his thoughts on gravel after crashing out of Unbound in 2021.
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