Cat-three crit specialist James Bullen, 29, is a kitchen salesman from Brighton, Sussex
Before I got into cycling, I used to run a lot. I’ve done five marathons and was a decent club runner with PBs of sub-three hours for the marathon and under 80 minutes for half-marathon. I started racing bikes about two years ago, but last year had a pretty bad crash, ending up with 36 stitches in my leg. Since then I’ve been trying to make up for lost time.
The crash happened in a cat two/ three race at Preston Park [in Brighton]. Someone swerved out and took out the front of the bunch; I was following someone’s wheel and ploughed into them at 30mph. I hit my head, my helmet exploded, and then I somehow managed to land on someone’s chainring, which went through my leg like a bread knife.
The injuries have healed well, and the scars are only physical, not psychological — I’ve been back to PrestonPark and laid the demons to rest. I’ve done lots of rehab, pilates, core work and stretching, and since October last year I’ve been working with coach Paul Pickup (pickupsportscoaching.co.uk), who has built me back up — we’re looking forward to a summer of racing.
Denne historien er fra May 23, 2019-utgaven av CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 23, 2019-utgaven av CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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