Troy just guest posed at the Emerald with Jay Cutler, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp and Bob Cicheriilo. Rumors have said that Troy Alves was in better shape than Bob Cicherilo!
Talking to Troy...
So you are in the Colorado Pro: I am jumping into the Colorado Pro show because the Arnold and Ironman was an awakening. Now, I took the stress of placing, and I started to train again for the Emerald Cup guest posing, and just trained. I looked myself at the Emerald Cup and made the final decision that I will be in top condition for the Colorado Pro. I am not going to beat myself up to get into shape, and I have been eating good and training great. There is no pressure on myself this time, and I am going to bring in my best package for the Colorado Pro show. I am going to peak for just the Colorado, I am not going to do the New York Pro show because of family obligations.
When asked of the altitude: It will not be a problem because I have competed there before, at the Junior USA's and I won it back in 1997. I will be leaving for Denver the Thursday before the show, getting there early, and I have two days to get acclimated. It is only a two hour flight.
Regarding Rusty Jeffers, he looked pretty damn good at that show. He held a little water, but he outshaped everybody in the show, except for Bob Cicherillo. I thought it was an injustice for him to get 8th. Rusty Jeffers should do the Colorado Pro show! He lives here in Arizona, in my home state! Rusty came in great shape, but it was something that the judges didn't find for him. I heard his overall presentation was great. I don't question Bob winning, but he can Rusty not make the top five. Eighth place. That didn't make sense - but who knows what happened. I wasnt there.
Asked if Troy will make the top ten at Colorado: Come on Ron. Yeah, I am quite sure I will make the top ten. If I don't, there is something really wrong with me. I am thinking of trying to win this show - not if I will make the top ten.. Who do you think is in the show that I can’t make the top 10. The Colorado Pro is not the Olympia now.
What kind of shape will you come at the Colorado Pro: I will come in with a better package, fuller than I was at the Arnold. I will have a fresher look. Nice clean look. Small stomach. You are never going to see a big stomach on me.
What do you think of Phil Heath? I think Phil is good, but has never been on the pro stage yet. He will see a difference when he is next to a seasoned pro, with the majority of the muscles. He definitely has potential. But he will see something different in a lineup of pros.
Regarding Bill Wilmore: He is solid too. He is a little bit older. More maturity. Great debut show for his to do, likewise with Phil. I think they will do well. They should both make the top ten. You never know with the first pro show. They may have extra pressure, nervousness. If they keep it cool, they will do well. Both of legitimate physiques.
Do you think Shawn Ray should be in shape? Yes, he should be since he will be representing on stage, but Shawn said that he is retired, he has a family and kids, so he doesn’t need to impress anyone anymore. He has done his time on the stage. I think so far he is doing a good job as a promoter, he is a hustler, really trying hard to get sponsors, giving away gifts for the fans, making the pros feel important. He is doing everything in his power to make this show work. He won’t leave anything in the tank. It will be completely empty by the time the show comes. He will exhaust all of his resources. He will do his best.
Any surprises this year so far? I was surprised that I didn’t bring my best package yet to the contest. That is my own personal disappointment. I haven’t done that yet. I really would like to be compared a little more with all of the top guys, so I can’t or anybody say that I wasn’t compared to the top guys. I can live with that, if you compare me and decided I don’t belong in the top, so at least I get the opportunity. I don’t complain about my placing - I can’t do nothing about that. Complaining and complaining does no good. I need to turn it around, and come on stage better next time.
Do you like the prize money? It is great, third largest this year, in a first year show. It is a great opportunity of the pros. If you place in the top ten at this show, you get paid some money. Shawn definitely upped the ante against the other promoters.
