One Year in the Stars and Stripes Jersey
A Conversation with Monk
On June 17, 2023, in Roanoke, VA, on a course that was neither flat, nor straight, Brandon Feehery, a/k/a/ Monk, won the USA Cycling Amateur Criterium National Title. This was one week before Luke Lamperti of Trinity Racing would win his third Elite/Pro National Criterium Title in Knoxville, TN. Since Lamperti spent most of the year racing abroad, which led to his contract this year with the World Tour Soudal Quickstep, that meant for the US criterium scene, we got to see Monk resplendent in a custom Stars and Stripes kit quite regularly.
Monk’s win at Amateur Nats is in no way a surprise. When he raced for Project Echelon he was a regular on top of the boxes in races like at Shorewood during the Tour of America’s Dairyland, or Fulton St. during Intelligentsia where in 2022 he won from a breakaway against riders like Ty Magner and Tyler Williams of L39ion of Los Angeles. That being said, Monk has never been the automatic lock to win like so many others who achieve the honor of being a national champ. His results feature quite a few lower podium spots right alongside top tens, making any opportunity to put both hands in the air more elusive than he probably wishes.
For the 32-year old originally from Homewood, IL, just outside of Chicago, and who now resides in Knoxville, TN, 2023 was different. He had transferred that winter to a new spot on the Miami Blazers which featured some serious firepower in Danny Estevez (a former Amateur National champ), Spencer Moavenzadeh, and Dante Young. The early season had also been unkind to him when he got sick at Speed Week in April and could only muster a few top tens and no podiums. The season started to look brighter with a fifth place at day two of Tulsa Tough; but days one and three were brutal. Clearly there was room for him to get back to sheer dominating performances like he had in 2021 where it was all 1s and 2s on the result sheet.
It made sense however that after a breakaway of seven riders had established themselves at Roanoke that Monk, Taylor Warren of CS Velo, and Michael Hernandez of American Cycling Group would bridge across around 50 minutes in the race. That group of ten would eventually go to the line for the sprint with the South-Sider with the Million Dollar Smile (he was a former hockey player) taking the win over Evan McQuirk of ButcherBox and Hernandez in third. What comes next is the focus of this interview. We had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Monk to talk about his year in the Stars and Stripes and how it has impacted his life.
Criterium Nation: You have a rather extensive list of palmares, does the national title sit separate and above the others? If so, why?
Monk: 100% This win was one of the most special wins I have had in my career. To be able to wear the Stars and Stripes jersey has always been a dream of mine since I was a little kid riding around on the streets. Growing up watching riders like Lance Armstrong, George Hincapie, Fast Fredie Rodriguez rock up to races in the Stars and Stripes jersey has been something that I have always dreamed about doing myself! Knowing that I am representing all of America every time I put on that jersey, there are no words on how special that makes you feel!
CN: At what point in time during or after the race at Roanoke did you realize, like actually understand, that you had not just won a race but the national championship?
Monk: As soon as I crossed the finish line and put my hand in the air I couldn’t believe what just happened. Once I put my hands back on the bars, I immediately stopped and looked back at the finishing banner and read USA National Championship and all my teammates and manager quickly came screaming and congratulating me. I thought that might be the moment when it really sunk in. But looking back it wasn’t. It didn’t become official or sink in until I called my family. Being on the phone with them and saying “I just Fucken Won!!!” that is when it really hit me what just happened. My family has been a huge support system for me throughout my career. They have been there for the good times and really bad times and always encouraged me to keep living my dreams, knowing that one day my dreams will come true. Saying that I am a National Champion to my family is when it really sunk in.
CN: We are both men of Chicago, and therefore we know the value of symbols and stories. We probably both had older members of our families who filled our young minds with many stories that border on legend. That being said, when you put the Stars and Stripes jersey on your shoulder and ride up to the start line, how much weight do you feel as the only person in that race who represents not only his team but also this nation?
Monk: Being a big sports fan from Chicago you don’t get to see many championships or big wins. Honestly, I was starting to feel like the Chicago Cubs. They have had great teams in the past and have had many chances to go to the World Series and win but it took them 108 years to finally win. I have raced more national championship races than I can count. I have been on the podium but never got that big win I was searching for. 2023 was my year and I finally broke the curse. I feel like a superhero being able to put on the Stars and Stripes Jersey and represent the USA. Showing up to the start line at every race and wearing the national flag on my jersey is something I am proud of. There are many that have made the ultimate sacrifice so we can go out and race our bikes. It is a true honor to represent this great nation and race in the Stars and Stripes. I feel wearing this jersey it is my purpose is to go out every day to be the best version of myself and inspire others to do the same.
CN: Does that impact your racing or how you present to the crowd?
Monk: I don't feel like it impacted the way I race but definitely how I present to the crowd. I have alway tried to represent my team well and engage with the fans, especially the younger generation to make a positive impact. Now, I really made it part of my routine to go out and engage with the fans. Most people don't understand how far a high five, fist bump, or taking some time to talk to a junior rider or maybe not even a rider but a kid that just came out with his parents to the race and have no clue what is going on, can go. Those are the future of not only the sport but America. I made it my goal to represent the nation in a positive way and if I am able to have any positive impact on the future generations this is the best time to do so!
CN: You went the next step beyond just a Stars and Stripes jersey, and did a wrapped helmet which replaced your bright pink Miami Blazers Giro. What inspired that additional aesthetic? Were you afraid the kit was too conspicuous or that the pink clashed?
Monk: It was a special addition that the team surprised me with. I had no clue that the team was making a custom helmet. When I put the Stars and Stripes kit and helmet on, I felt like Captain America every time! Now that is a really cool feeling.
CN: Intelligentsia Cup, which is now known as Chicago Grit, is raced all around our boyhood hometown. Meaning you have direct and extended family who you see at that race and who come and get extra rowdy for at specific events. The final day is held on Fulton St. near the Goose Island Brewery and right under the watchful gaze of one of the most iconic buildings in the world-- the Sears Tower. Did racing on those days as the national champ have extra meaning for you?
Monk: Racing Intelligentsia cup last year was truly amazing. I have been racing that series every year since it started but 2023 was something special. Having a lot of my family come out and see me in my national champion kit is truly an incredible feeling. My family is a big support system for me and for them to see me wearing the Stars and Stripes kit, representing our nation, in my home town is something that most people only dream of. During those races I felt like I had won the lottery every time I rolled up to the start line. But as soon as the whistle blew, it was time to get down to business.
CN: I find this question hard to ask without context, but you seem to have fans that show you at races these days with signs that say "Monk sucks." So we need to ask, does Monk suck? But in all honesty, any other stories of engagement or connection that stand out in your mind?
Monk: Funny story, that all started with some friends trying to be funny and created a sign that said “Monk Sucks” at the Salt Lake Criterium. Coming around on lap one of the race and seeing the sign and hearing my friends chant “Monk Sucks,” I couldn’t help but laugh. These are good friends of mine so I knew that it was all a joke but honestly it gave me a little fire to "not suck" and give it everything. It carried on race after race and more fans started to get involved. It didn’t bother me one bit and gave me some extra energy during the races to never give up. Another cool story that I will never forget was at Momentum Indy. I was putting on my national champ kit at the team tent and I overheard a kid say, “mom I want a flag shirt like that.” He was about 6 years old and I went up to talk to him. As soon as we started talking, he had this huge smile on his face that I will never forget. I am no superhero or one of the best cyclists in the world but when you get to experience moments like that it sure does make you feel like one. I love this sport and all that is involved with it. Yes, I love racing, going full tilt on the bike, and testing the limits that my body can handle but it’s little moments like that, that makes this sport the best. Fans can get up close and connect with their heroes of the sport.
CN: Did this win make training and slogging through the winter miles easier for you? Or have you felt the pressure of earning another jersey this year which has made things harder?
Monk: I believe training never gets easier no matter what you do. You just get faster and train harder! It definitely gave me the motivation all winter to train harder, smarter and battle through those tough cold and soggy winter months. I definitely feel quite a bit of pressure going into nationals this year. But I thrive off of pressure. That pressure is what I am going to use to give me that little extra boost to go out and win another national championship or even better help a teammate win! I am ready to give it my all for whoever has the best chance on the team to win. I feel like this year’s national championship races are going to be one of the most exciting, energetic and strategic races of the season. Its going to be a blast!
CN: Has this helped translate into your work for Pedal for Alzheimer’s?
Monk: It has. Working for Pedal for Alzheimer’s has been very inspiring and motivating. Working for an organization that’s main mission is to help those who are suffering from this nasty disease, is something special and gives you that extra motivation to give it your all. I love making a positive impact on the world and it is really cool to see that if you just take a little time it can make a huge difference. Winning the Nationals and working for Pedal for Alzheimer’s was the extra motivation I needed. If I can make a positive impact on only 1 person’s life, I am ready for the challenge. There is something special seeing that young fan want to start racing because you took a moment to say “hi” and gave them a water bottle or seeing the patient with Alzheimer’s get the extra help they need to delay or slow down the disease so they can live a normal life just a little longer than expected or stop the suffering. My goal with the Pedal for Alzheimer’s organization is to have a positive impact to help those patients and family members that need support and one day find a cure for this nasty disease so those who develop Alzheimer’s will no longer have to suffer.
CN: What are three big takeaways from this year that you want to leave us with?
Monk: Never stop Dreaming! Winning a National Championship and wearing the Stars and Stripes jersey has been a dream of mine for over 25 years. No matter how many times you fail at something, get yourself back on the bike and keep pedaling forward. When that dream comes true, keep dreaming bigger and better things! You never know what is next!
Use your resources to do good! Find what motivates you and go out and make a positive impact on the world. I am not a saint but I was taught at a young age to keep fighting for what you believe in and use it to do good in the world.
Last, I’m not done! I am 32 years old in a sport where racers are starting to develop and dominate the sport at a younger age but I still have a lot of fight in me and am ready to achieve a few more dreams in this beautiful sport I love.
CN: Will we see you coming out of the final corner in Charleston, WV, this year with your head down and nothing but open pavement between you and the finish line?
Monk: Can’t give all the secrets away but you will definitely see the Miami Blazers on the front going full gas for the win!
