Get to Know Astellas Cycling Team... Thomas Brown

New for 2014, we are proud to sponsor Astellas Cycling in the team's first year as domestic professionals. Get to know the team: 
Name: Thomas Brown

Age: 27

Hometown: Athens, Georgia

How did you start cycling?

I got into cycling in third grade after seeing the Olympic road race in Atlanta.  After that my friends and I would ride mountain bikes around all day jumping off of everything.  The mountain bike phase lasted four or five years.  I got a road bike around middle school and have been doing it ever since then.    

What do you like about cycling?  

I like the sensation above all else.  Cycling gives me a feeling in my body, mind, and soul that I cannot replicate with anything else.  Cycling gives me incredible happiness in how it allows me to explore new places, roads, and see the world.  

What do you not like?  

While I love traveling for races, I really enjoy being home in Athens sleeping in my own bed and cooking in the kitchen.  

What do you do outside of cycling? Jobs, hobbies, family?  

Besides cycling, I am also finishing my graduate degree in Public Health this spring.  I deeply believe in education and that I will be able to combine my experiences with cycling into a life long career in Public Health inspiring people to live healthier and happier.  Besides that, I just got married in January.  My wife is also a professional cyclist and we often train together.  

When did you start riding with Astellas?  

This is my first year with Astellas.  I was with SmartStop-Mountain Khakis for four years before this and Jittery Joes before that.  

How do you feel about becoming a Professional domestic team this year? 

I’m excited to be involved in a new program and hope to use my experience from other years to have fun, get results, and be a part of a cohesive team.  

What type of racing is your “specialty?” 

I definitely have become more focused on criterium racing in the past couple years.  It suits my characteristics and I know the races well.  

What races are you excited for this year? 

Living in Athens Georgia, I cannot help but get excited for Athens Twilight.  This coming year will be the 10^th time I’ve raced it.  The atmosphere at the race is like no other race on the circuit and I totally love it.  

What bike will you be riding this year?  

I will be on a Litespeed L1R.  I’m really excited about the bike.  Growing up in the Southeast, Litespeed was always a major player in the local scene.  I’m happy to finally get aboard one!

Anything else? Tips, tricks, advice?  

My major tip is to keep everything in your life in balance.  Don’t stress about the small things and just relax in general.  

Be sure to follow Thomas Brown on Twiter @tominimo, and follow the Astellas Team @astellascycling