Marty Jemison racing the Tour of Flanders. Photo by Graham WatsonWhen Backcountry.com acquired Competitive Cyclist in 2011, Marty Jemison picked up the phone and asked how to get involved. He's a former road racer who won the 1999 U.S. Pro Championships, and he's one of only 29 Americans to complete the Tour de France. Now Jemison runs bike tours in the U.S. and Europe—when he's not taking customer service calls for Competitive Cyclist, that is. Mountain talked to him about the new gig, racing with Lance Armstrong, and another season of road biking.

Anybody can get in touch with me. You can call Competitive Cyclist and specifically ask for me. I try and focus on the competitive side of things and the higher end road and mountain biking.

I'm most excited when I sense the excitement that some customers have about their dream bicycle. It evokes some of the same emotions I felt when I first started riding.

What I do that's different than most people is I always tend to have an extra item of clothing with me. I'm one step overdressed if you compare me to most recreational cyclists. I'm ready for more of the elements, because when I ride I might be riding all day.

The one thing Lance Armstrong taught me is not always to look at what's traditional, what's deemed possible, and what most people think is possible. He was a master of seeing how we could shake up a race and win.

Cycling in the U.S. is definitely improving. There's so much more TV coverage and coverage that people are able to follow on the Internet. We're not just pegged into watching three major sports in this country anymore.

I don't compete and race like I used to. I'm like a regular guy. I did do indoor training all winter long to keep up my cycling fitness. I look forward to good weather, the snow melting, warm sunny days, and riding outdoors.   —Olivia Dwyer

Visit competitivecyclist.com for more information.