Competitive sports have always been an important part of Zachary Koop’s life. He began playing “A” level youth hockey when he was 7 years old. He also learned how to ride a BMX bike pretty well, and in his early teens he began “working” at the local bike shop, The Cosmic Wheel.
As he grew up, his bike collection growing at a fast rate, Zach decided to try mountain bike racing. He was a natural, his BMX bike-handling skills complementing his strong fitness. He won numerous Beginner races in 2006, his first year, then upgraded to Sport, winning the H2H Series Overall in 2007.
Next season, Zach will be training with a power meter and using Power Cranks on his secondary road bike as he attempts to race both road and mountain, concentrating on XC Nationals and a few big mountain bike races. Although Zach’s goal is to become a professional athlete, much of the reason he rides is for the pure pleasure. He cherishes, more than his shelf-load of victories, the friendships he has developed through cycling.
Height: 6’3”
December Weight: 175 lbs.
Race Weight: 170 lbs.
Birthdate, Location: June 30, 1988 – Teaneck, NJ
Childhood Heroes: “Scott Neidermeyer, New Jersey Devils.”
Hobbies and Interests: “Cycling, hockey, fishing.”
Favorite Movies: “Saving Private Ryan and Jack-Ass.”
Musical Tastes: “Rock, Alternative – Disturbed, Ours.”
Favorite TV Shows: “The Simpsons, The Family Guy, Dirty Jobs.”
Favorite Meal: “Swedish Meatballs.”
Favorite Breakfast Cereal: “Honey Nut Cheerios.”
Favorite Pre-Race Meal: “Hard-boiled eggs, O.J., and a banana.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Cold Stone’s Cake Batter.”
Childhood Dream: “To be a professional athlete.”
First Car: “1995 Chevy Blazer.”
First Job: “Cosmic Wheel Bike Shop, mechanic.”
Favorite Vacation Spot: “The Adirondacks.”
Pre-Race Feeling: “Excited with some nerves mixed in.”
Early Racing Memory: “Finishing 2nd in my first race H2H Wawayanda 2006.”
Funny Racing Memory: “Accidentally running over a competitor’s bike after he fell in front of me on a stretch of singletrack. Funny for me, not for him!”
Greatest Racing Moment: “Winning the H2H Campmor Series Sport 19-29 2007.”
Most Painful Moment In Life: “When my dog Earl died.”
Worst Injury from Racing: “Split open my chin on a training ride, going down on the rocky trails in Ringwood.”
Closest Racing Friends: “Steve Kleiber and my Campmor teammates.”
Funniest Racer: “Ben Williams – only because of his socks.”
Favorite Race: “The Dark Horse 40.”
Embarrassing Racing Memory: “Thought I had crossed the finish line when in fact I still had about twenty yards to go! Luckily I had a big enough lead and still won the race!”
Toughest Competitors: “Marcin Gembecki, Tom Pannorfi, Alistair Siebert.”
Favorite Athletes to Watch: “The New Jersey Devils.”
Qualities You Most Admire in People: “Honesty and dedication.”
What You Love Most About Riding Your Bicycle: “I like being outside in the woods or on the road. I enjoy being able to use my bike for transportation to and from work.”
