How did you first get into cycling?
My mum did triathlon, and Cannock Chase, the mountain bike centre, is two minutes’ ride from our house. When I was little, everyone went mountain biking, and I couldn’t wait to join them.
You were a good swimmer too?
Yeah, I swam at county level and won my fair share of races, but only until I was about 12. I’d swim three times a week, but the coaches wanted us to train six times a week, starting at 5am. It got too serious for me; I wanted to enjoy riding my bike.
You’re still racing cyclo-cross, despite your focus being road?
Yes, but mostly just to keep my riding fresh and fun. I took nearly two months off my bike after the road Worlds, to recover ready for competing at under-23 level. So I raced the CX World Cup in Zolder [Boxing Day] and the under-23 race at Baal [New Year’s Day], where I finished 23rd, and the National Cross Champs in Shrewsbury, where I finished sixth.
Why did you choose Groupama-FDJ over other offers?
I don’t love the track, so wouldn’t want to spend a whole winter riding track [with British Cycling]. Going to FDJ means I have the opportunity to do a bit of cross, ride my mountain bike and do different things, keep it fresh and enjoy myself a little bit more. I just felt that for the type of person I am, FDJ was the best place in the world.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike