ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT- The King of Camps
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT- THE KING OF CAMPS
Franz Hinojosa
We are 1 week out from our inaugural AP Racing Camp Lake Tahoe, which is the first of 3 camps for the year, including:
AP Racing Camp: Lake Tahoe: June 14 - June 19
AP Racing Camp: Summit Camp-Beaver Creek : July 11 - July 16
AP Racing Camp: Kona- The World Championship Edition: Oct 11 - Oct 16
I always tell people that our camps are some of my favorite things I do all year as I get spend time with the athletes we coach, meet new athletes, and really help people on a 1 on 1 basis. As the years have went on, we have gotten better and better at camps, and we have had a lot of repeat campers; which is awesome!
Today, I want to introduce you to one of our most frequent campers and AP Racing Crew Member, Franz Hinojosa. We recently had a little sit down to talk about his camp experiences and how he earned the nickname- “King of Camps.” Check it out here-
Andy: Let’s get down to brass tacks right away, why do we call you the “King of Camps”?
Franz: That nick name was given to me by Daniel Brienza at AP Camp Chula Vista camp in 2020. By then, it was my third consecutive AP camp and I am sure he noticed as I wasn't missing any. I also have been known to go to a lot of other camps and dB was always asking me about them. I think the AP Team is always trying to improve their camps and they never stop evolving and learning from what other people experience.
Andy: How did you first find AP Racing Camps and what was your impression from your first camp?
Franz: I found about AP camps when looking to train and escape the cold weather in NY. I've been to many other camps around the country over the past few years...some were good and some were really bad. This made me hesitant at first since I didn't know anything about AP but decided to sign up for Chula Vista in 2019. I was blown away on how awesome it was!
Andy: So, how many AP Racing Camps and other camps have you been to and which one is your favorite?
Franz: I've been to 3 AP camps and headed to my 4th in Lake Tahoe. I've also attended many other non AP camps in Tucson, Lake Placid, Carlsbad, Solvang, and Scottsdale.
I would say my favorite AP Racing Camp is Olympic City USA(Colorado Springs. Andy, Daniel and the AP Team really open up their ‘home’ to the campers and it is just a surreal experience to get to train where Andy and Daniel train every day and get ready for Andy’s big races. It really shows how well they know the area, terrain and how to get the most out of it for every athlete. Plus, we get to swim where guys like Michael Phelps, Caleb Dressel and so many others swim and live. It lives up to its motto-
“Eat, Sleep, Live, and Train Like an Olympian”
Andy: Okay, which camp are you most looking forward to?
Franz: I am lucky I don’t have to wait too long for Tahoe as I have never been there to train. At their camps, the coaches always talk about ‘doing cool stuff with cool people’ and this camp is going to be super cool :).
Andy: Why do you keep coming back? Like, for real?
Franz: The main reason I keep coming back is the quality of the training, the coaching, and how efficient the camps are run. Andy and the crew really do a great job in getting to know you and making the experience unforgettable.
Andy: What is one of your favorite memories from camp?
Franz: It would have to be from last year’s Beaver Creek Camp. I got to ride on your wheel for a lot of the ride and soak up a ton of tips along the way. Plus, the scenery was was truly out of this world. It had to be one of the most beautiful an challenge rides I have ever done in my life. You and Daniel talked about how you use this route in your Kona prep and I was BLOWN away. Simply amazing!
Andy: That was an amazing day, I love that ride. This all sounds pretty intense though; do you think you have to be ‘like a pro’ to come to our camps?
Franz: That is one of the most amazing things about your AP Racing Camps- you and the team have such a deep knowledge base that you are constantly customizing the training and lessons for each athlete. It really shows not only how much you guys know but also how much you care. I know that any level of athlete could really benefit from the training, the lessons, and the camaraderie you get from going.
Andy: That’s great to hear! I think I know the answer here but what would you tell someone thinking about coming to one of our camps:
Franz: Do it!!! You won’t regret it!
Andy: The public wants to know, how can they follow you and your adventures?
Franz: Check me out on IG at @irondoc949