John Tomac is regarded as the best all-rounder the cycling world has ever seen. After 25 successful years in cross country, downhill, dual slalom, BMX and on the road, Johnny T. retired from the racing business. BIKE editor Peter Nilges visited the exceptional talent at his ranch in Colorado and rocked his home trails around Cortez with him.
Okay, maybe I exaggerated a little. But how else could I have explained to my girlfriend in simple terms what it means to me to ride with John Tomac on his home trails in Colorado? And no, I wasn't planning to end my life early. Although the sentence "Now I can die with peace of mind" naturally suggests this conclusion.
The best mountain biker of all time
John Tomac is a living legend. The best mountain biker of all time, an exceptional talent. He shaped the sport like no other in the early days and managed to stand at the top of the podium for years - in different disciplines at the same time! I can still clearly remember the 1995 World Championships in Kirchzarten. Tomac was sitting relaxed on the top tube of his Raleigh bike on the starting grid and signed a poster for me. I was proud as punch and gave the guy with the black latex suit and Tioga discwheel a place of honour in my room. 15 years later, my chance came: I was going to visit Johnny T. at his ranch in Colorado and take him for a spin on his own trails. It was a dream come true, although I had mixed feelings. Anticipation on the one hand, but the danger of demystification on the other. Tomac had an unmistakable style back then, but what if ten years away from racing and today's performance level in professional bike racing make his lustre fade? Do I have to end up saying: "Pretty decent for a 42-year-old old champion?" In the meantime, I've had plenty of opportunity to do a few laps with some of today's top cross-country and gravity riders. As I shake hands with the guy in worn jeans and cowboy boots, I instinctively lower my expectations - just don't shake the hero's pedestal.
The driving style that made John Tomac famous
But the subsequent two-hour demonstration ride on his home trails in Sand Canyon can be summarised in two words: pure redemption. No wobbly hero base, not even cracks in the foundation - rather reinforced concrete at its finest. The riding style that made him so famous has hardly changed. Tomac rides fluidly, economically, is one with the bike. He virtually flows over the trail, playful yet powerful, skilfully whips over a bump, pedals uphill with courage. He is fast - no wonder when you consider that this down-to-earth guy only had to contend with Nico Vouilloz at the 1997 Downhill World Championships, relegating superstar Cédric Gracia to third place. The most impressive thing on this lap, however, is "without doubt Tomac's uphill skills in difficult terrain. "Going up?" Tomac answers my doubting question with a spirited kick towards the steep slope. The following metres of trail resemble a crumbling natural stone staircase with steps, some of which are knee-high, leading upwards in a steep gully that has been filled in with loose boulders and sand in places. Any normal person - assuming they are sure-footed - would shoulder their bike here. Unimpressed, Tomac heads for it, digs his way through the rubble, masters the highest step in trail style with a combination of a side bunny hop and a turn and places both bikes on the rock step at the same time. If I had a cowboy hat on my head, I'd be wearing it right now. And I'm already thinking about the best way to explain to my girlfriend that a poster I thought I'd lost from the old days definitely deserves a place of honour in the new flat ...
Interview with John Tomac
BIKE: John, is it hard to be a mountain bike legend?
John Tomac: No, not really. It actually brings me advantages. Because of my name, I can earn more money in the bike industry. And I don't find it annoying at all when someone from the press shows up at the door every now and then - like you do now. Seriously, I really enjoy it.
What about the younger generations? Do they still know you?
The boys certainly don't. The other day I overheard one of them say: "Hey, that's the guy who develops the Kenda tyres. Most of the younger ones don't know anything more about my racing past. At best, if the father has been around for a while and tells his offspring a bit about the past.
After 25 years of racing, you hung up the jersey in 2000. That must have been tough.
But it wasn't. In the last few years of my career, I had little motivation to win races. It was time for something new. 15 years as a mountain bike pro, ten years on the BMX before that - 25 years of racing, that's a hell of a long time.
No comeback?
I'm too old to be fast anymore.
It looked different today.
Laughs ...
How often do you sit on your bike in a normal week?
I don't have normal weeks. Sometimes three times, but sometimes a month goes by without me being on the bike. On average, maybe once or twice.
You are both a farmer and active in the bike industry - what does your working day look like?
It depends on the time of year. Early in the morning, I usually work on the farm for two to three hours. Then I train with my son Eli and work on his motocross bike. Eli is 17, has just finished high school and will be riding his first professional motocross race next week. Then I'm usually in the office for an hour or two looking after Tomac Bikes and Kenda. After that, it's back to work on the farm.
Do you come from a farming family?
My parents both worked in car factories.
But then it's a long way to a farm.
My grandad and my uncle were farmers. I bought the land here in 1993. We moved from Durango to Cortez in 1996 and built up the farm, keeping our distance from everything.
Such a farmer's life - sounds like hard work and a meagre income.
Well, I work for Tomac Bikes and Kenda tyres - those are my main sources of income. I also sell hay from my farm, mainly to New Mexico. I also train a few boys on the motocross track behind the house.
Do you ride motocross yourself?
Every now and then. I have more time in winter. But I don't sit on the motorbike very much.
You founded Tomac Bikes with Doug Bradbury and then sold it. To what extent are you still part of Tomac Bikes?
I sold Tomac bikes under licence to the American Bicycle Group (ed.: Litespeed, Merlin, Quintana Roo). But they did a bad job. So I bought back the rights after four years. After that, I took my time and waited to see if I could find a better partner. That's when Joel Smith, who I had known from Manitou for a long time, came into the picture. I asked if he was interested. He was enthusiastic and took over the company. I have a lot of confidence in Joel - he knows the bike industry very well.
You no longer have any shares in the company?
I only own the brand, Joel owns the company and pays me a salary.
And what is your job?
I help Joel with product development and provide input on what the market needs. Not that I develop the frames myself - I have nothing to do with the construction itself. But I test the prototypes and give crucial feedback. Only when the frame meets my requirements does it go into production.
Doug Bradbury used to be your partner. Are you still in contact with him?
No, I haven't spoken to him for a long time. I don't know what he's doing - he's probably having a good time.
Racing driver, company boss, tester - hardly anyone in the industry has more experience than you. Take a look into the crystal ball - do you think that 29 inches will prevail?
To be honest, I'm pretty sceptical when it comes to 29ers. But the ride on the Fully prototype today was extremely interesting. 29ers have many advantages. The main disadvantage, however, is that they are more sluggish when changing direction. But you soon get used to it.
So, yes or no?
You Europeans are more traditional. But even Europe will be on the 29er bandwagon sooner or later. In America, 29ers will definitely dominate the scene.
Despite the weight disadvantage?
I don't like the greater gyroscopic forces when manualing or jumping. It feels very different. But if you're on it every day, it eventually feels normal. You just shouldn't keep switching back and forth.
More prophecies?
I think that bikes today are generally very well developed - we shouldn't expect any more technical revolutions.
As a thoroughbred biker, the electric drives in mountain bikes must make you sick to your stomach.
I have a clear opinion: motors make it possible for some people to get up the mountain - but then it's no longer a bike for me. And problems with trail use are inevitable.
Do you sometimes still go mountain bike racing?
Occasionally. I rode the marathon at the BIKE Festival on Lake Garda. Last week I took part in a 12-hour race here in Colorado. But before that I took a longer break. But every now and then I just have to check whether I'm still fit.
And?
I didn't feel great, but it went okay (editor's note: Tomac's four-man team finished second, less than two minutes behind a national Trek team).
How did you get started as a bike pro back then?
I attended a commercial college for electricians, but started racing mountain bikes at the same time. I finished my training, but at the same time celebrated great successes in races - which quickly led to my first professional contract.
Which of your numerous victories was Your most important?
I would say the World Cup title in Italy in 1991 was an absolute highlight. But I don't see that as my greatest life achievement. I'm more proud of my sons and what they do - Eli, who at 17 is now a motocross pro, and my older son Greg, who is an officer in the Air Force and will become a pilot.
Your sons don't emulate you?
No. They just bike for fun. They go their own way.
About John Tomac
Age
42 years
Place of residence
Cortez, Colorado
Profession
Farmer, bike and tyre developer, test rider, trainer, bike legend
Successes
US BMX Champion 1984
US Champion Criterium Road 1988
Giro d'Italia participation 1990
World Champion Cross Country 1991
Overall World Cup winner CC 1990 and 1991
2nd place overall World Cup DH 1993 and 1996
Multiple NORBA champion in the cross country, downhill and dual slalom disciplines
