Ten Questions With Annabell Holland

Annabell is a supervisor, coach, athlete, multiple National Champion and one of the forces behind last year's wildly successful women's camp. 

1. The women's camp last year was a resounding success. There will be a women's camp on May 22-23. Who should come and how much experience do they need?

This year we are changing it up just a bit as Rick Adams was able to make the "Get-Ready-for Summer" race on Saturday May 29th part of the BAWC Women's 3 & 4 points series. 

The camp this year will be for women who are currently racing on the road but have not yet completed their requisite 3 Saturdays to be eligible to race. This camp will satisfy the Saturday requirement. So basically the women need no track experience at all, but some road racing experience.

We will be covering the basics of track, doing a ton of skill drills, and practicing all of the races they will be doing the following Saturday at the race.

2. I know many of the ladies who attended last year would like to further 

develop their skills. What is the best way to do this? Any plans for a more advanced camp?

I highly recommend attending the Saturday afternoon advanced beginner session. This session is coached, has mentors, and introduces folks to training on the track.

I would love to conduct a more advanced camp, but unfortunately I just don't have the extra time this season. I don't know if everyone realizes this or not, but everyone involved in running the track is a volunteer.

3. You were a multiple National Champion last year at Masters Nats. You were targeting the sprints and won. It was quite exciting and I think Julie Nevitt and I were more nervous than you were! Given that, how big a surprise was it to also win the pursuit?

I knew going into the competition that I had a good shot at top three in the pursuit despite being a sprinter. 1st place however, was a long shot and I doubt will ever be repeated by me. The stars aligned on that day, and it was a magical ride. I noticed the wind and chose a much smaller gear than everyone else. That turned out to be a great choice. Those munching big gears got bogged down in the head wind and lost speed on the back stretch. Since I can sustain a high cadence, I was able to maintain my speed and not burn too much energy trying to bring a big gear back up to speed.

4. I saw a picture of you on crutches. Hopefully you will be back training soon! Will you be going to Texas to defend your championships in September?

Yeah, I broke my ankle. It all depends. I would like to, but the body will tell me if I can. So far I am healing faster than anyone expected and am back on the stationary trainer. I'll just take it week by week and train as I can as if I was going to Texas. If I can get back to form, I would like to focus on Worlds in Portugal as my target race.

5. You are also a track supervisor with the main supervisor responsibilities for the Sunday morning advanced session. I'm someone who has completed the three beginner sessions and I've raced on Larry's Tuesday nights. But I just want to ride around. Can I do that on Sunday? Or what should I expect if I come out to a Sunday session?

I would recommend you attend the Saturday afternoon Advanced Beginner sessions. The Sunday sessions are Advanced and require open track experience. Throughout the winter when the track is quiet I try and mentor as many people as I can. Unfortunately as the track gets busy, it is just too hard for me to mentor riders 

without the track experience.

 As the season progresses there is usually a Thursday evening Intermediate session where you can test your legs. 

As a reminder, all Open sessions are not coached, with the exception of the Saturday afternoon session. 

6. You work for the City of Fremont and last year the water park was completed and had its grand opening. That sounds like a great way to treat the family on a hot summer day. Where is it and what kinds of activities are there?

I am the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Fremont. Last year we opened Aqua Adventure, a four acre family waterpark www.goaquaadventure.com . It is located in Central Park (Lake Elizabeth) and truly is affordable family fun. If Hellyer folks want to take their family, make sure you see me so I can pass along a coupon.

7. Before cycling, you played softball at a fairly high level. How'd you get 

from softball to cycling?

Once I stopped playing softball I was looking for a new challenge. I found soccer and joined a team that started in Division 8 and made it up to Division 2. Somewhere in there while in a co-ed game I shredded my ankle and literally could not run for 6-months.

A friend introduced me to cycling, and I actually hated it, but had no other exercise options. I do have to thank Terry Shaw for introducing me to the track. He handed me a bike one day and said I want to see you out there. The rest is history. I fell in love with the sport and started racing.

8. You're doing some coaching this year. How did that come about and are you open to new athletes?

I truly love introducing women to the sport of cycle, and I was looking for something to keep me engaged in training this year. I started up a program for San Jose Bicycle Club. I volunteer my time, and the coaching fee goes toward supporting the women's race team. Due to time commitments I can only take on three athletes, and all slots are filled.

9. Over the winter you vacationed at one of my favorite places on earth…the Big Island of Hawaii. What was your favorite spot?

Swimming with the wild dolphins in the open ocean and snorkeling with Mantas at night was by far one of the best experiences on a vacation I have ever had!

10. And this question since the new "Dancing With the Stars" begins tonight! You know that I'm a big fan…you've met a couple of former DWTS contestants. Who were they and how did you get to meet them?

You truly are a big fan and I believe I sent you a picture of one of your favorites. :) 
Over the past three years I have been working with Kristi Yamaguchi and her family to build a beautiful and fully accessible playground in Central Park in Fremont. Kristi's Always Dream Foundation paid for just about everything and it opened up 2 months ago. 

Last year the major fund-raising event was a play on Dancing With The Stars. Kristi called upon all of her dancing friends and had everyone out there from Cheryl Burke (our local professional) to Marlee Matlin and Shawn Johnson, to even the Jr. dancer winners. Her husband Brent (for all you hockey fans) even danced a number with her.

There will be a sequel event this year, so Cathy, I will save a spot for you at my table ;)

Thanks for the interview Annabell!