Christian Soto's Page

Hometown:

Guatemalan transplant to the northwest side of Chicago since 1979.

About Me:

Cycling is a way of life for me. Although I don't socialize in cycling specific networks I am fortunate enough to work at the bike shop for which I race.

My second passion is black and white medium format photography. And when I'm not on my bike I'm obsessing over my portfolio, printing, tinting or toning my prints.

This takes up as much time as cycling so life is a constant juggle between those I love and that which I love.

Current Bike Collection:

Slightly customized '08 Bianchi Cross Concept and a heavily customized Bianchi Pista.

Favorite Race:

So far, this year's IL State 'Cross Champs was the most memorable. It was easily 30 degrees warmer than the last three years with the temps hovering around freezing.

Although Chicago is topographically challenged the race designer created a truly challenging course in the spirit of the old Cross Cup Series of the late 90s. Good use was made of every change in elevation regardless of where it was.

Thanks to fairly precipitous week the course became mudy, slippery, snowy and icy all in the same day as a true 'cross race should be.

Dream Bike:

I.F. XS Custom X

Favorite thing about cyclocross:

The pain, the occasional eye full of mud and debris, and of course the podium girls!

How long have you been racing cyclocross?

Two years

Racing category

elite