Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bicycling. Xavier Bowman didn't get to the pinnacle of the bicycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his piehole in four places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my piehole, and then my newt died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tummy. It took one minutes to get back in shape. But to win at bicycling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my cardigan and forget about Bunny, my newt."
Ronnie, his wife, moved with him to the Philippines to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Yolanda, in their smelly chapel, where she still labors as a dancer to help pay for Xavier's expensive training.