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Live Life in Forward Motion. That’s a maxim we take seriously here at Blenders and one that our exceptional Entourage athletes abundantly express.
Lately, we’ve spent some quality time with our Entourage team (more on that soon!) and are beyond stoked to enter the world of cycling alongside them. And we’re fortunate that three of our newest athletes—pro cyclists Russell Finsterwald, Sofia Gomez Villafañe, and Keegan Swenson—spared a few minutes from their demanding schedules to tell us how they Live Forward.
Russell Finsterwald //
Blenders: How did you get into cycling? Tell us about your journey today!
Russell: I’m excited to be working with Blenders because they are a fun company! I love that they are bucking the trend in the sunglass world and offer tons of fun and stylish options across all of their different shades.
What are three interesting facts about you?
Hmm, three interesting facts.
- When not on the bike, I enjoy spending my time climbing Colorado’s peaks.
- I have a Shiba Inu named Ajay.
- I don’t like the ocean.
Current favorite song/musician/band?
When it comes to music, I’m all over the place. I love everything from 70s rock to hip-hop to metal. Right now, I’d say The Amity Affliction is my favorite band.
If you could trade places with someone for one day, who would it be and why?
If I could trade places with someone for a day, I would choose a fighter jet pilot. I’ve always thought it would be cool to fly in one.
What does your perfect day consist of?
The perfect day for me is spent doing something epic. Whether it’s a long day on the bike, a long day out hiking in the woods, or a big ride on my moto… I love adventuring out in the wilderness. Of course, these sorts of days pair well with pizza and ice cream!
What is the thing you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
I’m proud and grateful to be able to live a lifestyle that brings me so much happiness and makes me feel fulfilled.
What does Life in Forward Motion mean to you? How do you Live Forward?
Life in Forward Motion, to me, means living in the moment and working to be a better person each day as I move forward through this journey that is life.
For more on Russell, check out his Blenders Entourage profile.
Sofia Gomez Villafañe //
Blenders: What are you most excited about working with Blenders?
Sofia: I love how many styles Blenders Eyewear has and how they always come out with new colors!
How did you get into cycling? Tell us about your journey to today!
I got introduced to cycling through the NorCal High School Mountain Bike program and went to race as a collegiate racer for Fort Lewis College in Durango. It was not until my senior year in college that I got connected with my coach, Carmel Small, and she had the idea of turning me into an Olympian in four years. I was not sure yet what I wanted to do as a career, so I decided to commit myself to that goal, and now six years later, I get to do this as my profession.
What are three interesting facts about you?
- Born and raised in the Patagonia of Argentina.
- I am slightly obsessed with sourdough bread making.
- I am the fifth child of six!
Current favorite song/musician/band?
I am not too much of a music person, but recently I have been on a 2000-2010 rap kick!
If you could trade places with someone for one day, who would it be and why?
I would love to trade places with my dog for a day to see how he experiences this crazy lifestyle that we live!
What does your perfect day consist of?
My perfect day starts with a pancake breakfast followed by a bike ride, then a mellow afternoon, ending the night with a nice meal home with friends.
What is the thing you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
I am the most proud of becoming an Olympian! I also recently became the first South American elite rider (male or female) to win the Cape Epic, an eight-day mountain bike stage race in South Africa that is considered the most challenging mountain bike race in the world!
What does Life in Forward Motion mean to you? How do you Live Forward?
Life in Forward Motion to me means that, no matter what happens, I do not let what happened in the past hold me back. I’ve gotta always keep moving forward.
For more on Sofia, check out her Entourage profile.
Keegan Swenson //
Blenders: What are you most excited about working with Blenders?
Keegan: I love that Blenders is relatively new to the market and that they are making a big push to make some awesome eyewear!
How did you get into cycling? Tell us about your journey to today!
I started riding bikes with my parents at a young age and fell in love with the sport. Then I started racing around age ten, and I really got hooked... fast forward a few years, and I was racing junior world cups in Europe and traveling all over the States to race. I chased cross country world cups for another nine years and have recently switched to marathon MTB racing and gravel, which has been a ton of fun. It’s for sure been a journey!
What are three interesting facts about you?
- I am a huge two-wheeled nerd. I love motorcycles and bikes of all sorts!
- I also grew up downhill ski racing. I don’t think a lot of people know that about me.
- I am a huge metal head; I absolutely love it, haha.
Current favorite song/musician/band?
Well, Spotify says “Vacuity” by Gojira....
If you could trade places with someone for one day, who would it be and why?
Any Moto GP or Supercross rider. I’d love to be that good on a motorcycle for a day.
What does your perfect day consist of?
Long mountain bike ride, along with an evening dirt bike cruise... in the mountains, of course!
What is the thing you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
I think my effort this year at 24hrs in the Old Pueblo. That was the hardest thing I have ever done, and it was a massive push to finish those last few laps.
What does Life in Forward Motion mean to you? How do you Live Forward?
“Life in Forward Motion” to me is just to live in the moment and have a good time! If you are on a bike, that means going fast and having fun.
For more on Keegan, check out his Entourage profile.