When I met Andy Shultz about seven years ago we were both scrawny spandex clad cross country racers. And even though one of us still fits that profile, I would never have guessed then what successes we would achieve and that eventually we would end up on the same team. As a rider Andy has grown so much in the past few years, killing it in U23 and now stepping it up in the pro ranks. Not only is he amazing on the bike but he is also one of the nicest and most helpful riders on the team. Always trying to clean up the pits, or the bikes or fully willing to go take a few podium photos; he is classy and a great ambassador for the sport.

Leana Gerrard: How many bikes can you fit into one EuroVan?

Andy Shultz: I don't know if this has ever been tested. It would probably be some unbelievably huge number. I can say for a fact that you can fit at least two people, two dogs, four bikes, camping gear and food and supplies to last you three weeks with room to spare. Not only that but you will be traveling in style.

LG: Where are you from?

AS: I'm from Missoula, MT but I'm currently going to school at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT.

LG: What are you doing there?

AS: Not sure where you are referring too but I have been going to Missoula for the last few summers and working in a really cool bike shop but here in Bozeman all I really do is go to school, ride my bicycle, eat, and sleep. In the off-season I have been known to make a trip or two to the bars in downtown Bozeman and throw-down on the dance floor.

LG: What are you studying?

AS: I'm studying Civil Engineer but only for another month and a half and then I'm done.

LG: How is the riding your area?

AS: The riding is ok in Bozeman. I spend a lot of time on the road bike because we get a ton of snow here and it takes for ever for it to melt out of the mountains. The only problem is that the roads are super flat so it can get really boring. The mtbing in Bozeman is good though when the snow melts and if you are into really long epic rides.

LG: Where is the coolest place you've ever ridden?

AS: I would have to say Livigno, Italy. After Worlds last year me and a couple of other riders did a long ride the day after our race. Not only were there ripping trails and amazing scenery but we happened on a cafe in the middle of no where. There weren't any roads leading to it but it was packed with hikers and bikers. We all got a piece of pie and then finished out the ride. It will be tough to top that experience.

LG: How long have you been with Cannondale?

AS: This last year was my second with the team.

LG: Which is your favorite Cannondale and why?

AS: I would have to say my hardtail. Its an F4000 SL. It is a super fast bike. I have been having a lot of fun on my Rush this fall though. Its great to have some cush on your bike when you aren't racing.

LG: Any top secret bike set ups?

AS: I have never really gotten into being a weight-weenie or getting all geeked out about my bike. I just figure that I'll be faster if I spend my time training rather then tweaking-out over my bike setup.

LG: If you could have a custom bike paint job, what would it look like?

AS: Ohh, this question is way too artsy. I'm an engineer, I just build the bridge, not paint it. I have no idea.

LG: What are some of your best results?

AS: I won the U23 National XC Championships in 2005 and also placed 12th and 13th at two different NMBS series XC races that same year.

LG: Which race course is your absolute favorite and why?

AS: I really liked the Big Bear XC course so I was pretty bummed when the series stopped going there. It has a nice really long climb which suits me and a fun semi-tech decent straight back down to the base area. I have always had good luck there.

LG: You obviously passed the U23 torch on to your brother, did you teach him everything he knows?

AS: My brother would not be the rider he is today without the life lessons I have taught him over the years. Actually, he is the one that got me into racing so he actually taught me everything that I know. I was stoked to see him win the race this year and keep the jersey in the family. He really deserved it. He is already incredible fast and he is only going to get faster. He's the next big thing.

LG: I know you set up camp at a few of the races this year, (literally on our hotel patios), do you consider yourself a lumberjack?

AS: I am from Montana so I guess I have to be part lumberjack but mainly I just had to get away from Leana's snoring. The walls were rattling and there was no way that I was going to be able to fall asleep.

LG: How do you eat Bear Naked?

AS: Straight up plain. I have wanted to try it with milk but its so delicious that I seem to eat it all before I can even make it to the refrigerator to get the milk.

LG: What sorts of things do you do in your off season?

AS: I do some running but I really don't like it at all so I try to avoid it. I also tried skate skiing but I'm terrible and I quit after a grandma came flying past me. I embrace Montana and spend some time hunting, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing.

LG: What is your favorite song of the moment?

AS: At the top of my most played songs in ITunes is "Bullet and a Target" by Citizen Cope but I have also found myself playing "Sluttering" by Jawbreaker.

LG: If you were stuck on a tropical island and could only have 5 items with you, what would they be?

AS: I don't like this question. It makes me think too much. I guess the engineer in me says that I would have some boards, nails, hammer, sail, and a paddle so I could make myself a boat and get off the island.

LG: Any shout outs?

AS: I think that Matt Jewett needs a huge shout out. He is an awesome guy and works incredibly hard to put together a great race team. I also think that Leana Gerrard needs a shout out as well for dominating the gravity events at Collegiate Mountain Bike Nationals.