Current U.S. Cyclocross champion, Jeremy Powers, will answer questions from fans at Firth and Wilson Transport Cycles on Friday, July 8. The event, at 1105 Frankford Ave, costs $10 and all proceeds will benefit Cadence Youth Cycling, a program of The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. The Q&A is presented with support from Lagunitas Brewing Company.

From 7-9 PM, Powers will answer questions about his experiences as a professional cyclist, his motivations and how he stays focused on his goals. Come and ask the current champion how manages the stress of competition and the tools and techniques he uses to maintain his success.

Powers, the top-ranked American Cyclocross rider, has been a competitive cyclist since his teenage years, winning his first major race, the Junior Mountain Bike World Cup in Napa Valley, in 2000. Initially drawn to Cyclocross as a way to keep competing and cycling between mountain bike season, Powers enjoyed the short, high-intensity races of Cyclocross. Powers spent the mid-2000s focused on road racing until he joined the Cyclocrossworld.com team in 2007. Since turning pro in 2004, Powers has strived to be an ambassador for Cyclocross and cycling in general wherever he goes. Next season, Powers will focus exclusively on Cyclocross with his team, Aspire Racing, racing primarily in Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Cup events.

This Q&A follows a day-long clinic where Powers will discuss the fundamentals of cyclocross and the techniques that have helped him succeed in the demanding sport. The clinic is also for the benefit of Cadence Youth Cycling and The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

Cadence Youth Cycling organizes teams of young cyclists throughout Philadelphia in order to “life skills, such as teamwork, perseverance, and goal setting,” according to their website.

Last year, Cadence fielded eight teams from Strawberry Mansion High School, Benjamin Franklin High School and more Philadelphia schools. Cadence Youth Cycling is helping to present Jeremy Powers at Firth and Wilson Transport Cycles. Proceeds will go to support Cadence Youth Cycling’s teams.