Ivan Sippy

What inspired you to pursue the sport initially, and how did you stay motivated through challenges?

Growing up in Durango, I was surrounded by great cyclists, so it came pretty naturally. I was really fortunate in high school that a lot of my friends also raced. We would always ride together and push each other, which kept it really fun and grew my love for training and racing. Having a good group of friends surrounding me has always been key to staying motivated when things aren't going so well.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

Stepping up to the elite level this season, I am really looking to learn as much as I can. My goals would be to maintain consistency throughout a long season and be at my best at the late season MTB World Cups in North America.

What's your favorite race and why?

It's really hard to pick just one, but the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango has to be my favorite. Not only is it local, but my dad was the race director for most of my childhood, so it's a really nostalgic event for me.

How has your training and nutrition evolved over your career?

My training and nutrition has evolved a ton since I first started as a junior. Then, it was more about keeping it fun while trying to be consistent. Now, it is much more granular and demanding: with more hours and intense sessions, having proper nutrition such as First Endurance is a huge help with longer workouts and much-needed recovery.

What has being an endurance athlete taught you about life outside of sport?

It's taught me so much about consistency and giving your best to something, no matter what. I have become very meticulous when it comes to my training, and that has bled over into school and every other aspect of my life.

What piece of new technology or equipment could you no longer imagine living without?

Funny enough, it's Strava heatmaps. I love looking at where people have ridden and trying to cover every area as much as I can, especially when I am traveling. My friends and I have spent hours looking at possible new routes or trails we haven't ridden and trying to connect all of them.

What advice would you give to someone who's just getting started?

I would say to keep it fun. It's so easy to get caught up in results and trying to be better every day, but remembering why you do it plays a huge role in making progress year after year.

What's the most valuable lesson you've learned from a loss or failure in your career?

During my first year in Europe racing World Cups, I got smacked every race and it was pretty rough. However, I stayed consistent and told myself that if I got that chance again, I would do everything in my power to improve. It was undoubtedly the toughest time in my cycling career, but it taught me so much about the power of being consistent and a little stubborn.

What's your "kryptonite"?

Ice cream; I can never say no to ice cream.

What is your go-to interval session or segment that lets you know you are ready for a big event?

My favorite interval session recently has been some all-out 2 minute efforts. They are brutal and I typically finish them with a good sit on the ground, but nothing makes me feel more race ready than going way above my limit.