CARL DECKER ON THE SSWC
|
;setCaption(document.image_thumb); "Carl showing off the mandatory SSWC tattoo. Where will it go if he wins again? Photo by Carson Blume")
;setCaption(document.image_extra_one_thumb); "The Deckerator on the way to winning the 2008 Single Speed World Championship.")
;setCaption(document.image_extra_two_thumb); "Carl Decker trades barbs with Barry Wicks prior to SSWC ’08.")
’08 Champion Confident He Can Repeat!
Giant MTB pro Carl Decker is the defending Single Speed World Champion, having won SSWC ‘08 in Napa, CA. The whole point of the SSWC is to have fun, race, and quaff adult beverages. And then, there is the matter of race-wear. A memorable costume is required and last year Carl wore a race kit that he said, “…consisted mostly of dental floss and good intentions.” But it turned out to be appropriate for the Napa heat. Beating competitors like Barry Wicks and Mark Weir and a field that included dozens of other riders, Carl won the SSWC crown and earned the subsequent mandatory tattoo.
Where to place the tattoo is often a dilemma for the winners. In 2007, Carl’s team mates Adam Craig and Kelli Emmett won the men’s and women’s world champion titles and had the tattoos strategically placed on their backsides.
This year, SSWC ’09 is September 16-20 in Durango, CO. We asked Carl what his chances are of repeating as the Single Speed World Champion.
Giant: Do you think you can repeat as SSWC champion?
Carl: Yep. I can win. If I don’t break my bike (SSWC ‘05). Or make any wrong turns (SSWC ’02). And if I feel like a studhorse (SSWC ’08).
Giant: What will you wear to top last year?
Carl: I will wear an impeccably trimmed mustache and….
Giant: If you do repeat, where will you get the tattoo?
Carl: I will need to see the tattoo. I have nothing against any part of my skin, so whatever is most fitting. However, if the tattoo is of flames, I, of course, will have them shooting out of my butt.