For most people, the phrase “large legs” would not be a compliment. But for semi-professional cyclist and Kellogg Graduate School of Management student Reed Tanger, it’s just a measure of his strength as a rider.
“His legs are really large – that’s the first thing everyone says about him,” said Northwestern Cycling Team president Seth Meyer, a Weinberg sophomore. “So at first I was really intimidated to ride with him. But he’s so nice and professional, his enthusiasm wears off on you.”
Tanger became a member of the 18-person team when he came to NU in Fall 2005. Earlier this month, he raced in the Division I USA Cycling Collegiate Road Championships in Lawrence, Kan.
Tanger competed in a 84-mile road race and a shorter race in the downtown area of Lawrence. He placed 52nd of about 170 competitors in the road race and 30th of 150 in the other.
Tanger was the only cyclist from NU at nationals this year after the team moved from Division II to the stiffer Division I competition due to school enrollment size. Past competitions have included famous riders such as Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton.
“It’s one of the nation’s top cycling events,” Tanger said. “There are current pros, former pros, former Olympians, and future Tour de France riders there.”
Tanger has raced for 14 years in about 800 races. While he has raced against many elite cyclists, he said the nationals race remains special among his racing experiences because representing his school gives the competition a fun atmosphere.
“It’s certainly an exciting event to be a part of and represent the school,” he said. “There is a lot of pride on behalf of your school, and it’s all on the line.”
Tanger’s teammates appreciate him for more than just his success in races, calling him a mentor and a “father figure.”
Team member and Medill junior Melanie Wong said Tanger’s influence helped her become more involved with cycling.
“He has really taken time out of his own training to teach us and impart his knowledge,” Wong said. “Without his encouragement and teaching, I might have been hesitant to do (cycling) because it can be intimidating in a male-dominated sport.”
Tanger said he won’t pursue a full-time cycling career after graduating but that he is looking forward to balancing cycling with a full-time job. Right now he said he is concentrating on next year’s goal: to help NU qualify as a team for nationals and become a “powerhouse” in its conference.
“It will certainly be a challenge, but it’s these types of challenges that make riders stronger,” Tanger said. “(Qualifying) is a great goal to have. I’m already looking forward to going back and racing again for Northwestern next year and taking some teammates with me.”
Tanger’s teammates said they know he will have a big effect during the next season.
“If we qualify for nationals next year, it will definitely be primarily due to Reed,” said incoming cycling team president and Weinberg junior Ace Young. “He’s a huge factor – he’s kind of the ace up our sleeves.”
Reach Melanie Wanzek at [email protected].