KPC: When did you find out about your cancer, exactly?
RS: The biopsy results came back in early November of 2010, but it took over a month to begin treatment.
KPC: Was it scary? Be honest and not tough.
RS: Of course it was scary. I don’t think anybody could hear that they have cancer and not be terrified. I always took for granted that I would live a long life, never once thinking that it could end tomorrow. To think that if things hadn’t gone exactly as they did, that if I hadn’t moved to Connecticut, it would have gone undiagnosed and possibly killed me later. That is a scary thought, for sure.
KPC: How did the team take it when you told them, and what did you take from it?
RS: I decided not to tell the team at first. I didn’t want to be viewed as anything other than a rider, or for anyone to think that it had taken a negative effect on me. I told Chad Thompson (the team’s GM) last week (November 30, 2011) for the first time because I knew that it would eventually be released to the public in the New Yorker. I wanted to tell him first. Both he and Frankie wondered why I hadn’t mentioned it sooner! But, neither was anything but concerned for me and my family.
KPC: Did it affect your training or performance?
RS: Fortunately neither the cancer nor the radiation treatment affected my training from a physiological standpoint. I must say, though, that there were some very hard days where the depression got to me. There were days where I sat in bed and did nothing but feel sorry for myself. There weren’t many of them, but at times the whole situation made cycling seem unimportant altogether. Once I realized that sitting in bed wasn’t going to cure me I was able to go out for the day’s training, and always felt better afterward.
KPC: You won the final stage of Cascade. Was that your biggest win to date? Was it your only NRC to date?
RS: That was my first NRC win and definitely my biggest. The Awbrey Butte circuit is notoriously tough and I feel like I’ve raced it a hundred times at Cascade and at the national championships. Winning that stage meant a lot to me. It also proved I had a well rounded riding talent. It proved to my bosses and myself that I could time trial, climb, ride tempo and sprint. It was a great day.
KPC: Then you won the road race stage at Elk Grove, both UCI and NRC ranked. Did that become your biggest win? How did you overcome the last minute crash with less than 10K remaining? You pulled it off! Did Frankie play a role?
RS: I think on paper the Elk Grove win is bigger, but I believe the Cascade stage win means more to me. The Elk Grove road race was tactically very tough but it doesn’t compare to how selective the Awbrey Butte circuit is. The team put me in a position to win the overall during the final day’s circuit and I was leading on the road for a while. To a lot of fans, that was the most dramatic day of racing in the US. Amaran led, then I led, then we were tied. So exciting. Unfortunately the skies opened up with a few laps to go and all tactics went out the window once the crashes started. I played it safe in the corners but didn’t expect a pile up on the straight away with one lap to go. I had quite a few teammates around me when I got back on my bike and that was obviously a huge help. Then Frankie was there straight away to keep me relaxed and focused while chasing, which was a huge help. I’m not sure if I’ve ever ridden quite as hard as I did during the final 3k, but watching the clock when I reached the line to see that I had kept 2nd overall was a great feeling. I could not have done it without my team or such a great director.
KPC: This was your 5th pro season, but first with KPC. Did you like it? If so, what do you like about it?
RS: I’ve been on quite a few teams with some great riders, but what stood out to me was the leadership roles that the veteran riders took on. The road captains (Hartley, Day and Milne) took control in the races and it really kept things fluid and organized. Everyone knew how we were going to win each race that we entered and knew that we could trust the experience of our director and veteran riders. That level of trust is important for any team and I definitely feel it here at Kenda/5-Hour Energy Pro Cycling presented by Geargrinder.
KPC: Are you excited to come back?
RS: I’m more motivated for 2012 than I’ve ever been. After five years as a pro, I’ve never had the chance to race full time, and Kenda/5-Hour Energy is allowing me to do that next year. I’m planning on improving myself immensely and am already anxious to start racing.
KPC: What are your goals for 2012, realistically and seriously?
RS: My biggest goals are to win NRC and UCI races such as Battenkill, Nature Valley, Elk Grove, and some individual stages that suit me at bigger stage races. I am also working towards the Tour of California and know that the team we’ve built for 2012 will have a very strong showing there. All of our fingers are crossed for the nod and invitation to attend the event.
KPC: Where do you see the team in June of 2012 and June of 2013?
RS: We have much more depth on the team for 2012 and I think that will allow us to split up and win a lot of races. Being able to field two strong squads at a time should put us very high in the NRC rankings come June, I hope. In 2013 I believe this team will have a much stronger international presence. A strong European and Asian schedule is important for the progression of the team and I think that’s certainly the direction we’re heading.
KPC: When will you start training again?
RS: I took my time off in October as I always do and starting my winter program in early November. The strength and endurance work is definitely in full swing right now. I feel great!
KPC: What is the race on US soil you want to do the most?
RS: I think every US rider, myself included, sees the Tour of California as the biggest race in the country. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge and Tour of Utah are at the top of this list as well, but California is a special race for me and for the team and is at the top of our wish list.
Be sure to follow Robert “Bobby” Sweeting all year long, as we are all sure of even more success for him during his first true full year of professional racing. Good luck, Bobby, and congratulations on beating one of the rarest cancers known to man. You are a true depiction of strength, courage and selflessness. KPC is lucky and proud to have you back.
Had the opportunity to log a few base building winter miles with Bobby and some of the local folks here in his hometown of Sarasota,Fla. I firist met Bobby at the age of fifteen when he started riding with a group of us SEMI “over-the-hill”, guys. He showed alot of promise straight out of the box. It has been such a thrill for some of us to have watched him progress to his present level. It truly is a testament to his comittment and dedication to accomplish those things he desires. I sincerely believe there isn’t anything this kid can’t do. He possess all the tools to be a huge success in the sport of cycling. And any team who has his name on their rider roster is SURE to find themselves on the podium more often than not. Take note Frankie & Chad; this kid is the for real. Mark my words….He is destine to go Big.