Often called the consummate teammate, Discovery Channel Pro Cycling's George Hincapie got off to a terrific start to his 12th pro season by becoming the first American ever to win Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne.

Q. As the only rider other than Lance Armstrong to compete with a team in six winning Tour de France efforts, you've seen just about everything. How has professional cycling evolved – from the riders to the bicycles to the technology – since you began racing?

A. When I first started out, the bikes were heavy, and people were just starting to think about aerodynamics and even helmets were rarely used. Now, we realize that the weight of the bike, our choice of clothing, and of course our position on the bike are all major factors in overall performance. My training is also far more precise now, as I use a power meter which can track my training and work outputs and I can then download this information to my AMD processor-powered laptop and e-mail the data to my coach back in the U.S. Competition has even become much more scientific and just like with training, the emphasis on technology there has also become a bigger factor. We now wear light, extremely protective helmets and also have protective aero helmets for the time trials.

Q. How will the wind tunnel testing experience help you this season – are there things you know you'll do differently in terms of position?

A. As we all know, every little bit counts when you're racing for seconds. It was interesting to see how every little movement in position on the bike can affect the drag you create.

Q. What aspects of a team make it strong, or make it an opponent to be respected? What have you noticed about this year's team that really jumps out at you?

A. This year our team has more depth, as we have riders for all the grand tours, the classics and the one day races. Our team is respected because we race for one objective and execute the goal as a team. We have set the standard in technology, training, and in our approach to the races.

Q. You've been one of the team's specialists in cycling's "Spring Classics." Tell us about how the team is preparing for these and your own thoughts about performing well in these races in 2005. Also: Will Lance's inclusion in some of these spring classic races change your strategy?

A. The team is far more focused this season on the Classics, as we have hired some more accomplished Classics specialists to help achieve our goals. Already, we have seen the team is dominant in the Belgian races and will be a major force in the coming weeks as we sharpen our game. I still dream of winning one of the big World Cups and hope to make it happen this season. Having Lance is a big factor as he motivates the team and brings out the most in everybody.

Q. Tell us what it was like to win the 58th running of the Belgian semi-classic Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne (Feb 27th)?

A. It was nice to start off the Classics season on a high note and to achieve our first win early on. The team showed they were strong in [semi-Classic race] Het Volk but were unable to get a result in the final. The next day we put it all together and won. It was a great feeling crossing the line with my arms in the air, and it motivates me for the coming Classics.