Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bicycling. Mark Esser didn't get to the pinnacle of the bicycling world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions one time each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in fifth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his claw 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 claw, and then my flamingo died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my tooth. It took thirteen years 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 jumpsuit and forget about Paul, my flamingo."
Anastasia, his fiancée, moved with him to London to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Carmen, in their hefty spa, where she still labors as a gastroenterologist to help pay for Mark's expensive training.