Introduction
To properly capture the RHC Racer’s POV we’ve partnered with Specialized’s five-man five-person RHC super team: Specialized/Rocket Espresso. We’re talking about Aldo Ino Ilesic (Slovenia), Eamon Lucas (USA), Alec Briggs (UK), Stefan Schäfer (Germany), Carla Nafría (Spain); an international hit squad of RHC specialists with the express goal of taking the overall championship. To better understand their individual and team motivations, hopes, dreams, wants, needs and desires, as they relate (and don’t relate) to the RHC, MFS is going DEEP. We will live with them, sleep with them, follow them, eat with them, race with them, talk with them, video them, photograph them, write about them, etc etc etc. If we can mind meld with them, we’ll do it.
Twenty-and-tweleve Questions With Aldo Ino Ilesic
Aldo Ino Ilesic, 33, Ptuj, Slovenia
I was 14 years old and saw a race back home. I liked it enough to start riding.
Winning a stage at the Olympia’s Tour in Holland, winning a stage at the Giro d’Elle Regioni, second place at a stage of the Tour de l’Avenir, second place at the 2012 Philly Classic, winning the Air Force Crit in 2013 and Boston Crit in 2015, my 2016 RHC season.
Getting hit by cars twice, not leaving my U-23 team after getting wins in Holland and Italy, and not focusing on the classic races while I was a U-23.
I own my own business with over fifty employees, and racing is something different to challenge me.
I agree that this kind of racing is the future. The stadium atmosphere and exciting racing makes it entertaining to spectators even if they don’t know anything about cycling. It’s constantly growing, but the big thing it’s missing is a professional live stream. Hopefully investors will jump on board.
Bikes, cars, skis… I’ve always raced for as long as I can remember. No matter if I was doing it recreationally or professionally—I can’t just cruise, it’s either full gas or no gas.
It’s more exciting and thrilling than normal crit racing, but compared to the World Tour it’s a completely different race.
I see myself as a racer. I like to compete, even if there is no reward.
The thrill of cornering in a race on a fixie.

A live broadcast and one or two banked turns per lap.
[Aldo did not provide an answer.]
RHC has much better promotion and vibes, as well as big city venues. The tactics in the race are also different.
All racing has danger, you are always risking something. The reward is the feeling you get after finishing.
The no brakes part.
The tactics are different. Even though the race is easier to read, handling is more important.
I think it’s very important, because it’s not all about the result. People come out for the atmosphere before, during and after the race. You don’t just go and watch the race, it’s a full weekend. And I like the parties!
It’s as intense as the riders around me want it to be. I know where I want to be in the pack, and if someone else is there, we will battle for the spot one way or another.
Flowers. 😀
Any scene where the fighters keep getting back up until they pass out.
Losing my drive. I never stop believing.
Knocking another rider off his bike.
I sprayed a dog with water during the Tour of Turkey so he wouldn’t run into the peloton. I made it on Watts with that move. 🙂
3. I still have respect for the event, it keeps me focused.
Car racing.
My dream is about car racing, more to follow in the future…
My business.
[Aldo did not provide an answer.]
The stiffness and responsive handling.
The support, their custom/personal approach, the exposure, the great stuff they produce, and their willingness to expand into new types of racing.
I wanted to become a criminal investigator.
I don’t have any specific heroes. My heroes are all people who keep trying after failing multiple times.


Fun Facts With Aldo Ilesic
Apple strudel.
Green
Armin Van Buuren.
Lone Survivor.
Ice Age.
I can’t read, don’t have a single favorite.
Nap.
Car racer.
Think.
No kids yet.
Speeding.
Flight.
Diversity.
I remember their looks, but not their name.
Can't stop working.
“Everything happens for a reason.”
Banana-strawberry.
Being alert and aware of my surroundings.
ino.aldo@gmail.com