Philly Local Cyclist – Michael Chauner – Philadelphia Bike Race
‘Persistence, Not Giving Up’
Know about the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship that is taking place tomorrow, June 3. There are many great cyclists from around the world that will be participating in this weeks 125 mile bike race.
This is a story about our own, Michael Chauner who is 25 years of age, who will be participating in his 2nd Philly Bike Race. Last year Michael finished 39th out of approximately 180 riders.
Michael, who is from the West Chester area, has a unique story that we wanted to share with you, and give inspiration and hope to those that have a condition like Michael. Michael has what is known as exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB).
Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is also known as Bronchoconstriction, which is the constriction of the airways in the lungs due to the tightening of surrounding smooth muscle, with consequent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Michael has had this respiratory condition since the age of 12 and started racing officially at the age of 14. He grew up in this sport because of his dad who actually founded the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship in 1985. What Michael has had to overcome hasn’t been a truemental strain, but just a physical strain. Michael told us,
“You have to be tough in this sport to begin with, and I had to be just as tough with my condition.”
Michael has specific medication that is prescribed and he has to monitor his condition especially during seasonal changes. He has to use his ProAir albuterol inhaler daily.
A little more information about Michael Chauner. He is part of Pure Energy Cycling-ProAir HFA team and is excited about helping the team out this year. One of Michael’s role with the team is to help out the sprinters stay up front so they can sprint to the finish line at the end of the race. Jonas Ahlstrand is their lead sprinter.
There is a training regiment that Michael has to endure every day that does change from time to time. His main training is focused on his endurance rides which is typically 4 to 5 hours long a day, followed by interval training that builds up Anaerobic exercise, and explosive sprint training.
Asked what his proudest moment has been, Michael says;
“I love cycling so much and my proudest moment has been when I finally got to ride in last years Philadelphia Cycling Championship. Just starting the race was an accomplishment, let alone finishing the race, since some riders don’t make the entire race.”
Michael goes on to tell us that while growing up, some of his role models were that of the European cyclists and that his favorite cyclist was Eric Heiden. Eric was a speed skating champion in both the Olympics and World Championship events before becoming a professional racing cyclist. Eric is a founding member of the 7-Eleven Cycling Team and in 1999, was inducted into United States Bicycling Hall of Fame.
Michael has a decorated history of top finishes in international races as well as the earned title of “Winningest Collegiate Cyclist” in the Eastern Conference. He wants to spread the word that EIB does not have to limit your goals or achievements. With a positive attitude, proper diagnosis and effective treatment, he has been able to achieve stellar athletic accomplishments.
Michael, we wish you the best of luck in tomorrow’s Philadelphia International Cycling Championship!
photograph courtesy of Pure Energy Cycling-ProAir HFA
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