The Former "Racer X"

(by Jennifer Reither, aka Jenn X)

Only weeks away from the much anticipated 2008 version of the NVGP, I sit back and relax my legs and train my vowels.... AAAA EEE III OOO UUUUUU. As I am no longer a competitor in the NVGP, but a commentator. As my heart is torn from the high of racing, my legs are happy to sit and watch the pain the wall of Mankato and Stillwater inject on the racers. I have raced the NVGP with great teams such as Colavita, Red 5, and Tria. Now I give insight and perception as I commentate all of the fantastic stages of the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

While out in Minnesota many fans have asked me how does one go from Pro Racer to Race Commentator? I tell them lots of pageant talent and a knack for early morning TV appearances. But the real story is that by my second year of participating in the NVGP, I was doing TV appearances for Fox9 out in Peevy Plaza. That same morning they needed a live radio cast for KCLP94.1, with me being the only rider with professional experience I was the interviewee for a live radio broadcast. The broadcast was a hit. This same year, they needed a commentator to help with the men's race at Stillwater. Without hesitation, I grabbed the mic and in my cycling shoes ran up and down Chilkoot Hill, talking to spectators, answering questions about bike racing. By my third year into the NVGP I was being scheduled for radio and T.V. appearance talking to listeners about the NVGP and the Great River Energy Festival and suggesting the head on down to Stillwater on Sunday and ask me more bike racing questions. All this media work and I was racing too!

In early 2007 Dave LaPorte asked me to come on as an additional commentator for the event. Without hesitation, I accepted. Besides, when Dave LaPorte asks you to be part of the event you ask how high. This year would be different, all mic and no bike! The 2007 edition of the NVGP and Bike Festival was a huge success. Spectators asked question about the race, while I answered their inquiries to huge crowds that line the finishing circuits.

I expect more out of 2008 as sponsorship and ridership has increased. I look forward to seeing everyone on the streets on Minnesota in June.

See you on the road.

The former RacerX