November 24, 2012 (West Yellowstone, MO) – I pick up the receiver and give a ring to the Chuck Norris of American skiing. It’s almost dinner time with the family at the Liebsch household, but the man graciously took the time to talk about the eventful training season, that began in the spring with Mr. Liebsch on the side of the road, almost losing his life in an accident while training, to punching his third ticket to the Canmore World Cup series. After the perfunctories, here is the conversation that ensued.

So first, congrats on winning West. Definitely a nice way to start the season.
Matt Liebsch: Thanks. Appreciate it.

I heard you came out to West Yellowstone about two weeks ago. The snow scene out here, though, hasn’t the best. How were you able to deal with this, because it seems like this didn’t slow you down.
ML: It was a little tough the first week with snow but no grooming. But it actually turned out well. I had a lot of volume the first week and the backwoods skiing keep me going easy, within my level one (aerobic level). It was nice doing some long solo skis up in the mountains.

I know you’ve done well in West before, but it’s still a little bit interesting that a Midwesetern boy wins high up on the plateau. Were you concerned at all about the altitude?
ML: It was nice to come out here two weeks early. I have placed in the top five at West Yellowstone before with only a week of altitude. This year, with the World Champs and Sochi (Olympics, in 2014) being high I have focused on getting to altitude more. Since September, I have spent time on the Haig, Park City, and Canmore. Being at altitude this much this fall has helped. Also, I’ve dropped some weight from previous seasons. This helps with racing at altitude.

Tell us a little about your race.
ML: I went out first in the seeded group, which I actually liked. It allows me to focus on my own race. I didn’t have to worry about anything but my own race and pacing.

The course skied very quickly today. I also have to throw some credit to more than just fast snow.  Chris Hall of Fischer and Swix produced some good skis for me today.
ML: I skied the flats and downs very hard. I skied within myself on the climbs. The finish was pretty much all uphill. I just had to keep my head down and keep the skis moving.

Back in May you had a pretty horrific bike accident. How was it coming back from this?
ML: It was tough. I almost died on the side of the road. Thankfully Eric and Laszlo (he is an EMT) from my race team were with me. I raced at Ski to Sea a little bit too soon. After that I had another recovery period. Once I finally got over the cracked ribs, headaches and separated shoulder, it was back to lots of level one training. It took three or four months post concussion to finally feel okay. This fall the training has really gone well and I have avoided illness.

How is it to have your whole family out here in West with you again this year?
ML: It is awesome! My wife and kids keep me very down to earth. Today they surprised me by finding a way to get up to the start line to see me off. I’ve been spending some time in the pool playing with the kids and my wife is making some great homemade meals. I don’t like being away from the family for multiple weeks. This year I am taking them on the road with me as much as we can afford to.

Are you surprised at all that you are skiing so fast so early after this?
ML: A little bit… but since the training has gone so well this Fall I knew I was going to ski quick. Like I said earlier, coming to altitude more frequently has helped a lot. I knew it would help a lot, but in the past I just did not have the support or funding to spend that much time at altitude.

What are your thoughts on punching your ticket to the early season Canadian World Cups with today’s effort?
ML: I was part of the nation’s quota in 2009 and 2010, so I was very hopeful to be going this year. I am excited to race in Canmore, I love it there!

Any shout outs you want out in the worldwide web before I let you get back to the Thanksgiving leftovers?
ML: If I have to give a shout out, then it has to be about my newly renamed race team, Borton Volvo XC United. This year especially the team has done a super job of fundraising, allowing me to focus more on racing. I have to thank my current sponsors including Borton Volvo, Gear West, The Fix Studio, Zel Skin, Fischer, Swix and Team Strong Heart.

Additionally, I owe big thank you to my work, Gear West, for allowing me the flexibility to chase my goals. And you know most importantly, I better give a thank you to my loving wife, Marybeth, who supports me no matter how fast or slow I race.

Thanks Torin!

No problem Matt. The pleasure was all mine. See you soon a little further down the road…