Q&A with Saul “Raisin Sec” Raisin

GU ATHLETE: Saul “Raisin Sec” Raisin
SPORT: Cycling
BIRTHPLACE: Dalton, Georgia, 1983
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Salt Lake City, Utah
WEBSITE: www.saulraisin.com , www.tourdelife.us

Proudest athletic accomplishment?
My first ride after my accident and coma, with my Dad and Mom following in the car.

Superstitions for training or competition?
I always shred and throw away my old race numbers.

Funny racing/training story?
In 2005 five going into the last stage of the Tour of Germany I was sitting 9th overall, which was a huge accomplishment for me. Jens Voigt came up to me and said, “What is this?” as he patted me on my back. He was referring to the hump on my back. “I have three lungs,” I confessed. Jens looked shocked and said.
“No, it is illegal” not knowing I was joking. The whole peloton laughed.

What characteristics do you most respect in your competitors?
The fire in their eyes to win; the killer instinct.

If you were not a pro athlete, what would you do professionally?
Be a motivational speaker.

When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
Happy.

Song title that best fits your personality/spirit?
Born To Be Brave.

How do you reward yourself when you reach a key goal?
A big smile on my face.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what flavor of GU would you want with you?
Blueberry pomegranate Roctane!

Personal causes you’re involved in?
I have a foundation to help others with traumatic brain injury.

Three things people don’t know about you?
I am a cat lover. I like to write poems. I love to reach out to others that have traumatic brain injuries.