To pee or not to pee

Only one more race to go until the winner of the 4X World Cup is decided... Find out what could still stop American Jill Kintner from successfully defending her title on September 15th in Slovenia, hear where she missed out on important points, and discover what she’s planning to do for the 2008 Olympics...

At the moment doping is a sensitive topic in road cycling. Following your victory at the 4X in Schladming you also had problems with the doping test – unusual ones, though, right?

Yeah. Road cycling has a bad image for that kind of stuff, MTB is a lot different. Skill doesn't come from a drug. My biggest worry for the doping test is just being able to fill up the sample. I couldn’t pee in Schladming! You feel better racing with an empty bladder, so you go before the race. So during the doping test, I just couldn't pee, and the procedure took two hours and three attempts. Nothing too serious. I just missed the party ;-) …

In Schladming you won on the same brand bike, a GT, as the men’s winner, Brian Lopes. How important is it to have the right equipment in 4X?

Very – as with anything. Geometry is important, as is saving weight. I usually set up a bike how I like it and ride it for a whole season. Only when something breaks or conditions change do I replace it. A general set-up should work for most courses.

With only one race to go before the end, only Anneke Beerten is able to contest your overall victory. How dangerous could she still be for you?

Without wanting to underestimate Anneke: If I don’t allow myself any major mistakes, I should do well. There’s a lot of pressure surrounding that race. It's at a new venue, and the very last race of the year. It is a long way from now, but I feel good, and know what I am capable of. Self-induced errors are my biggest risk.

Why do you worry about self-induced errors?

In a five-race series, every point counts. I had a crash in the 3rd round race in Mont Saint-Anne and it set me back a little. I wasn't 100 percent focused; my boyfriend had broken his wrist that morning, and I’d spent all day in hospital till the moment I had to race. It's ok, things happen, and it is part of racing. Keeps the series exciting, I suppose.

More or less on the side, you’re competing in the BMX World Championships in Canada from July 23. What do you hope to achieve?

To have fun. It’s hard to switch focus mid-season, but since the two sports are so similar, all I need is some time on the bike to get comfortable. I’m not really going there for the win, just to see how I go and keep my chances for the Olympics alive. I haven't raced BMX full time for five years. Should be an eye-opener. I just want to go to get more experience on the BMX bike ...

… on which you pretty much won everything before you changed to 4X. Do you want to make a comeback on 20-inch wheels in 2008, when BMX becomes an Olympic discipline?