Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in cycling. Devlin Stoltenburg didn't get to the pinnacle of the cycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his nose in three 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 nose, and then my parakeet died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my little toe. It took twelve blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at cycling is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my balaclava and forget about Angie, my parakeet."
Benjamin, his mentor, moved with him to Denver to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Oscar, in their primitive igloo, where he still labors as a scout to help pay for Devlin's expensive training.