Alison Sydor surprised many observers two weeks ago when she confirmed that she will indeed be moving from longtime sponsor Volvo-Cannondale to her new home at Trek-Volkswagen. After all, Sydor had become synonymous with the V-C team, winning championships, Olympic silver and myriad other titles over the years.

The week before her signing, Trek's Chad Moore had alluded that we would be surprised when we learned of his new female rider — and boy was he right. Sydor was the last person we would have suspected was on his short list, and we wanted to hear the story straight from her. She was kind enough to take time from what is obviously a busy schedule, to let our readers know how it went down.

MountainZone.com:
Huge news about your move to Trek. Why did this happen?

Sydor:
It was not an easy decision for me to leave such a top level team after having been with them for so many years. There were a number of factors that I thought about and considered before I made this decision. But in the end I let my instincts and my emotion be my main guide.

There was a lot of uncertainty regarding the future of the V-C team at some points during last season. I guess this was a situation that received quite a lot of attention in the media. It was inevitable that there would be some changes in the team as a result.

When I first contacted Trek they were very excited about the prospect that I might be joining the team. That in turn made me feel the same level of excitement and provided me with the good sensation I was looking for. It was a great boost to my confidence. Without full confidence and 100% enthusiasm, it's impossible to be at the top of such a difficult sport as mountain biking.

I wanted to find myself in a team situation where I could feel relaxed and enjoy myself. Because unless you are happy and have good morale it's impossible to get the results on the bike.

MountainZone.com:
We in the media were critical this season of the Cannondale bike. Did your move have anything to do with the integrity of the bike, or their philosophy of "dictating" what bike you rode (i.e. the somewhat unproven Olympic bike)?

Sydor:
I have always been comfortable with the product I have had available to me in the past. I have also always been involved with supplying feedback on my bike to the engineers; and testing new products is my job and also my interest.

I have already expressed to Trek my desire to be involved in providing feedback on the bikes I ride, and they have explained to me that this has always been an important role for all their team riders. I know Travis has been very involved with bike design at Trek. I am looking forward to getting some trail time on the Trek bikes very soon. But I guess the STP already has a pretty good record at the big races!

"I really have so many great memories from the past seven years. I was happy to have given the team so many great results to thank them for all the support over the years...."

MountainZone.com:
How far back did your career with V-C go?

Sydor:
I was one of the original Team members back in 1994. I can remember rooming with Missy at our first photo shoot in December 1993. It was a very interesting few days! Our amazing performance as a Team in Vail at the World's that year was one of my best memories ever.

But I really have so many great memories from the past seven years. I was happy to have given the team so many great results to thank them for all the support over the years.

MountainZone.com:
What do you think will be different on the Trek team? You'll sort of be a teammate of Paola now — wild!

Sydor:
I am now teammates with Roland, Travis, Matt, Ruthie and Wade and that's it as far as I am aware of! Roland and I are bringing to the Team the top UCI ranked North American male and female riders. We join a really strong core of riders who are all proven performers and some of the top personalities on the North American and international scene. I think the management has put together a really interesting group who can do the job of keeping our fans and our sponsors very, very happy.

I am a North American rider so I am happy to move to a team that will have a strong presence in North America and a more North American based race schedule. But the World Cup is also a major team objective for next season, so we will be planning to have a strong showing in the European rounds of the World Cups too. The World's in Vail will also be a high priority for all the riders on the team next year.

I have no concerns with support issues. Trek/VW is a well-established team with an experienced management and staff.

MountainZone.com:
Are you trading in a Volvo for a VW anytime soon?

Sydor:
Yes, I will happily be cruising back and forth to the airport in a VW very soon. My style and personality is a good fit with VW, so it is a company and product I will be happy to represent. It's somewhat ironic that my neighbor in the apartment next door to me owns a Jetta-Trek, and in the apartment below the couple have two matching Golfs. So I think it's going to look like a little VW dealership in our parking lot!

MountainZone.com:
You, Ruthie and Travis are three of the most senior XC riders on the circuit I believe. You've got quite an experienced group now. Any thoughts?

Sydor:
I imagine Matt Kelly will not be lacking for advice next year!

Seriously, it will be an honor to join up with those two icons of US mountain biking on the same team. In every sense Ruthie and Travis are two of the most professional riders in the US scene. I have a lot of respect for the jobs they have both done on the race circuit, with their sponsors and to promote the sport.

MountainZone.com:
Does this give you any new excitement for the new season, having a new team, bike and all?

Sydor:
Yes, anyone who has ever changed jobs can relate to the effect it has on ones motivation to perform in a new job for a new boss. There's always a sense of excitement and anticipation for any rider coming on to a new team. It's a chance at a fresh start. Of course I am feeling very motivated to get some good results for my new team right away.

I know Roland Green very well, and I also know most of the riders and some of the team staff. Communication so far has been really good with the management and I am certain the transition period will be very smooth.

As far as equipment is concerned I am very pleased to be joining a team with such advanced frame technology. We have a fantastic stable of bikes to chose from. All of our team co-sponsors produce products that are pretty much the gold standard in the industry. It is nice to know everything about our bikes next year is going to be worry free.

It all makes me feel like a little kid and I just can't wait to get out on the trails on my new bike!