Liam Panero

Height: 5’ 11”

December Weight: 155-158 lbs.

Race Weight: 153 lbs.

Birthdate: March 17, 1997

Childhood Heroes: “Never really had any as a kid. I enjoyed doing things differently, my own way, so emulating a hero didn’t occur to me.”

Hobbies and Interests: “Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, sketching, and movies.”

Favorite Movies: “This is an evil question but for now they go: Interstellar, The Usual Suspects, The Godfather, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”

Musical Tastes: “I can get into a lot from rock to rap to jazz to classical. Blues holds a special place in my heart but bubblegum-pop isn’t my thing.”

Favorite TV Shows:How I Met Your Mother, West Wing, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, True Detectives.

Favorite Meal: “Renergy Sandwich, which is two pieces whole wheat toast with almond butter, sliced avocado, and sautéed spinach — in that order. Sandwich with coconut water.”

Favorite Breakfast Cereal: “Oatmeal with almond butter…. No cereal for me”

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Stephen Colbert’s: American Dream.”

Childhood Dream: “Be able to read like my friends. I checked this one off my list.”

First Car: “2007 Toyota Tacoma. My sister had to leave it when she left for college. It hydroplanes, has no GPS, has crappy speakers, and I love it every day I’m behind the wheel.”

First Job: “I worked as a sale rep for a bike shop!” Favorite Vacation Spot: “Wherever my friends are.”

Pre-Race Feeling: “A knot in my gut, every thought possible going through my head… and then a moment of clarity.” Early Racing Memory: “The excitement I had rolling up to the line for the first time was unreal, whenever I think about early racing experiences, that feeling always comes up.”

Funny Racing Memory: “Before the 2014 Jefferson Cup, a friend of my mine was being interviewed by the local news channel in the parking lot. While warming up, I rode with the team behind my friend. And, we did what is now known as ‘bike twerking’ in the middle of the camera’s shot.”

Greatest Racing Moment: “My first win ever in the 4/5 Juniors race at Charm City CX. I doubted my place in the sport at the time, but that race silenced any doubt I had.”

Most Painful Moment in Life: “The last visit I had with my grandfather in the hospital.”

Worst Injury from Racing: “I’ve been very fortunate and only have had small scrapes and road rash.”

Closest Racing Friends: “Tanner and William Browne.”

Favorite Race: “A muddy Tacchino Cyclo-cross.”

Embarrassing Racing Memory: “I don’t know which race it was but it was during my first year. I didn’t know proper ‘spitting etiquette’ yet, which lead to a very unhappy teammate.”

Toughest Competitors: “George ‘G’ Schultz, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet until you’re on his wheel. Once you’re there, he loves tightening the screws on you.”

Favorite Athletes to Watch: “Any of the top sprinters like Cav and Kittel. I also enjoy watching Rener Gracie.”

Qualities You Most Admire in People: “Humor, honesty, and empathy.”

What You Love Most About Riding Your Bicycle: “You’re always in it, there’re no substitutions, only going. Your mind can’t drift either — wits and awareness are key to success, and to survival.”