Thomas Vanderham

How does FOX contribute to your success?
FOX helps me dial in my suspension to the smallest detail so that when it's time to ride I don't have to worry about it.

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
I am pretty picky about my bike set up. I like to run my suspension with a lot of ramp, I hate bottoming out. I drive a Toyota Tacoma.

What else is in your garage?
A couple sets of golf clubs, skis and hockey gear. A work bench, chin-up bar and many bike parts.

What's your training regimen?
My training regimen is designed to avoid injury on the bike. In the winter I am in the gym 3 days a week, working on a lot of strength and quickness stuff. I also cross-train a lot, I play on a soccer team, play hockey, and ski. During the season it is more about training on the bike.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
I have had a couple major injuries, they healed very well.

What's your typical pre-race/event meal? Guilty pleasure?
Before a ride I'll eat a peanut butter and banana sandwich. Guilty pleasures are coffee and beer.

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
My number one priority each season is filming. However, I really enjoy racing when I have the opportunity. Last season was actually the most racing I've ever done. I raced the Canadian Nationals 5000 Down in Whistler, World Cup Finals, and the World Championships. I'm not sure I will ever have the chance to do that again.

What motivated you to get started professionally?
My neighbor growing up raced mountain bikes and he got me hooked. I used to ride up and down my street all day doing wheelies, you have to start somewhere.

What separates you from other professional athletes?
That's a tough question, my job is pretty different from a lot of other mountain bikers and athletes in general. I explore new terrain around the world and find creative ways to ride it, that's what separates me.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
That is yet to be determined.

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
Enjoying every day of work.

What other sports are you interested in?
I am a sports fanatic. I play soccer, hockey, basketball, and golf. I will watch almost any major sporting event on TV. The Olympics coming to Vancouver will always be a highlight for me.

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
Focus on your riding and the sponsors will follow.

What are your favorite magazines and websites?
Bike, Rolling Stone, and GQ.

Who is your hero?
Muhammad Ali

Are you a Mac or PC? Mac

Top 3 bands The Beatles, Rage Against the Machine, Bob Marley and the Wailers

Greatest strength POP

Most frustrating challenge The Red Bull Rampage

Twitter