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Written by Thom Barnett

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Local Riders Q&A ~ Ben Swift

Dec 17, 2019

Written by Thom Barnett

Born in Rotherham in 1987, Ben Swift has had a amazing professional career and is currently the British National Road Race Champion, riding for UCI WorldTeam Team Ineos.

He made his professional road debut in 2007 joining Barloworld as a trainee during which time he won the King of the Mountains title in the Tour of Britain.

After joining Katusha, he lead out teamate Filippo Pozzato in 2009 and described himself as "an allrounder who can do well in the Classics". He has proven himself with some amazing rides, most notably, finishing third (2014) and second (2016) at the prestigious Milan ~ San Remo mounment.

Big thanks to Ben for taking the time to do the Mamnick quiz!

As a racing cyclist, which results are you most proud of and why?

I have a few that I am really proud of, some results and some just achievements.

Representing Team GB as a 19 year old in the Beijing Olympics Road Race was very special. Along with that it was a big deal to me to be selected for my first Tour de France and making it to Paris and being in the breakaway in front of my family.

Results wise, a few stand out - my stage victory with some very elite climbing talent in Pais Vasco was a big one. I have been close a number of times there. My World Title on the track was a dream to get that jersey. Then my podiums in Milan ~ San Remo! They were special, but I would like to get that final top step!

Which is your favourite stretches of road to ride on locally and what is it that you like about them?

There are so many to choose from, but I think one that never gets old is climbing up from Owler Bar heading to Fox House. I know its not a nice small quite back lane but the views that you get are amazing and it also brings back so many memory’s. I am fortunate to be able to use the roads now that I also did as a young and hopeful rider. Before I use to venture out further that was one of my loops in the hills, so it's nice to be able to go down memory lane.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

That’s a very difficult one, I am lucky to have ridden my bike in a lot of beautiful places. Each place has its own charm. But I think one that stands out is the coast road through Deia in Mallorca (not in the peak of summer, as it's too busy!) When I’m there in December, with some winter sun, quiet roads and a lovely blue sky dropping into the mountains and into the sea - it’s hard to beat!

What is your most memorable moment on the bike or involved with cycling?

I have had a lot of moments that I have relived over and over again in my head, mainly when I have come so close to winning a bike race and thinking what I could have done slightly different. But I think one that stands out and is very special is arriving in Paris in my first Tour de France. Feeling the rush and excitement and then hitting the famous cobbles, that’s a feeling and emotion that you only get once!

Has racing affected your relationship with the bike? If so, how?

It is definitely a job for me, but I love the training and the just ‘riding my bike’ side of it as well. I think the older I am getting the more I am enjoying been on my bike and going for epic rides.

Do you agree with Mickey Goldmill's advice to Rocky that 'women weaken legs'?

I think there is some truth in that, I know a lot of riders that could have been brilliant but lost their way a little and got distracted. What I think strengthens your legs is having a great woman by your side, that is with you and understands the ups and down of the sport. Cycling takes up a lot of time, so having the right woman in your life is critical.

Do you approach riding, or ride your bike, differently now to when you first got into cycling?

I have been cycling my whole life I did my first race at the age of 3, although I didn’t take it serious with training programs and stuff until I was a junior. I used to spend all my time on the bike at home, I use to train by racing my friends around and spending a lot of time in the woods on the jumps. That is something that has changed a lot, I scare myself thinking of the jumps and tricks I use to do. I have definitely lost that skill set now that I ride my bike as a job.

Who has been your favourite pro riders over the years and why?

Having been involved in my sport for nearly 30 years I have seen a lot of different riders. When I was growing up I read Cycling Weekly and I'd cut photos out to plaster my walls. But I was much more in ore of riders in our local area. I remember been excited if I saw Russ Downing, John Tanner and Chris Walker. It felt like they were the heroes of our area and I think it showed how strong Yorkshire was (and still is!).

But as I got more into watching racing I really use to love Eric Dekker, David Ecchibeier, and Robbie McEwen

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

It has to be the era that captured my attention the late 90’s early 00’s. It’s when the real lead-out game started and you still had people trying their hand on late attacks it was a very exciting time and even on the one-days and in the mountains, I remember watching some epic battles!

Mudguards, mudguards and mudflaps or racing bike with clip on guards through winter?

This is a good one, I think if you are going to do it you need to do it properly and go for the full set-up of a real winter bike. Unfortunately, that’s not something I am able to do at the moment with having to use trade kit. I use occasionally the clip on guards but it cracks me when it makes noises and scratches your bike, so I prefer to go without and just get wet.

One thing for sure is that when I retire, I will be getting a very nice full winter bike!

Do you enjoy a cafe stop or do you prefer to ride straight round?

It very much depends on what I am doing, early winter post break or recovery rides or easier general rides I do like a good coffee stop although they are different now from when I was a kid, they use to be all about beans on toast and a cup of tea. Now it's more of a coffee and maybe some cake. But when I have efforts or a solid paced endurance ride, I don’t stop.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

I have bought a bit of both in the past but I think I would choose Assos out of the two.

What is your favorite piece of cycling kit (either something you currently own or have in the past)?

I think it has to be glasses these days. I am contracted to wear my kit and ride my bike, we also have to use Oakley’s but the glasses are something that we can change around with colour and styles so it gives us a little bit of individualism.

I do remember as a kid I use to wear a very cool Pantani Pirate bandana under my helmet I don’t think I could pull that off now though actually not sure I could back then!

Do you prefer to get your head down on main roads, keep a good tempo going on the ‘B’ roads or get onto the back-wacks? What about the rough stuff on your road bike?

All depends on what I am doing and what part of the season it is. If I can and the ride allows, I love exploring and finding new roads and new climbs. Bit of the rough stuff at times is always good to keep it exciting. Sometimes I do have to crack on down the B roads but that’s my least favourite.

What do you think about Strava?

It's fun sometimes especially if you take a segment off a mate. I don’t upload much, just a little, but I think it’s a great tool to use if you are trying to look at a climb length and difficulty, every climb on there is pretty much full-gas, so you know that the time required for the KOM needs to be good.

What do you think about Sportive rides?

They are good, anything to get more people out and stuck into more riding.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

It really annoys me when I see cyclists a bit all over the place the ones that give us a bad name. I have to spend a lot of time on the road so we defiantly get the brunt of the abuse.

Are there any cycling traditions that you think have been, or are being, lost as a result of changing attitudes and behaviour? And are we better off or worse off as a consequence?

Maybe club-rides? It use to be a big thing, maybe it still is and I just don’t see it anymore. But I remember it use to be important to join a club and do your club-run on a Sunday. Early morning in the group with a traditional café stop. Now you see a lot of smaller groups and individuals out. I might be very wrong though.

Cotton cap or helmet?

100% helmet for me

The benefits of spinning a low gear compared to mashing a high gear is often discussed. Putting aside the serious, physiological and mechanical aspects, what cadence you think looks right?

There is a balance somebody that can hold an even cadence of around 85-95 solid looking on the bike nice and fluid look great.

White, black or coloured socks?

Depends on the mood and the weather. Black in wet, nice white in the sun. Then sometimes when you don’t care, a multi-coloured pair. But out of all of them white socks and shoes is the best combo.

Frame pump or mini pump?

Mini-pump.

What do you like to talk about when you are on a ride with friends/team/club mates? Do you prefer to keep the subjects lightweight or get your teeth into something contentious or controversial?

Good bit of lightweight banter. Cycling is too hard to go into deep subjects.

Who would be/is your perfect tandem partner? Would you ride captain or stoker?

Well having done a few tandem grass track racing a fair few years ago I would have to stick with the winning combo of myself as captain and Adam Blythe as stoker. We won a few races and even managed some bunny hops.

Written by Thom Barnett

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Local Riders Q&A - Hugh Carthy

Jun 18, 2019

Written by Thom Barnett

Born in 1994 in Preston, Hugh Carthy is a British racing cyclist with a bright future. In 2014 he won the Tour of Korea stage racing in the colours of Condor-JLT before joining the Spanish Team Caja Rural-Seguros RGA until 2017. He now rides for UCI WorldTeam EF Education First and has been on the start line for the 2016 Vuelta and the 2017 Giro.

This year saw Hugh race an amazing Giro d'Italia finishing 11th overall (+16' 36") and hung-out with the favourites in the mountains, including an epic wet assent of The Mortirolo; thus proving he can mix it up with the best and perform on the biggest stage races in the world.

Many thanks to Hugh for completing the Mamnick quiz.

As a racing cyclist, which results are you most proud of and why?

Any good result after a set back or low point really. Back in the summer of 2015 I was racing Volta Portugal for Caja Rural and was at a low ebb and felt totally out of my depth and like I was in the wrong line of work. It was stinking hot and the peloton was so fast and intimidating. I started the race with a stomach bug and I’d had a few injuries mid way through the season and I just wasn’t returning to the level I knew I was capable of being at. I persevered and finished the race. I raced in The United States a week later and had my stand out result of the season, I was on a massive high and it gave me massive confidence and belief that success is always around the corner as long as you persevere and keep doing things right. That experience keeps me going even now when things don’t seem to be going well.

Which are your favourite stretches of road to ride on locally and what is it that you like about them?

I don’t go back “home” to Preston all that much these days but when I do I always head to the Trough of Bowland, in particular the stretch between Whitewell and Scorton. I always think it’s at its best midweek, in the rain on a really grim day. No Sunday’s drivers, barely any other cyclists. Just me, the sheep and farmers. Last Christmas I was back home for 8 days I think I rode through “The Trough” 6 times.

In Lancashire, there’s a local legend called Randy Allsop. He rode in the Olympics in ‘72 in the team time trial. He always did the same training ride every day, even in recent years. People asked him why he did the same ride every day. He always responded, why would I do my second or third favourite ride when I can do my favourite everyday. I liked that.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

When I lived in Pamplona I used to like heading into the “Baztan Valley” it was always cloudy and damp even in the middle of summer but enjoyable to ride there nonetheless.

What is your most memorable moment on the bike or involved with cycling?

It’s not a particular moment but a period of my cycling life. When I was young going out on the winter club run on a Sunday. I’d look forward to it all week at school while my mates were looking forward to going to watch Preston North End or play Sunday league. I’d come home late Sunday afternoon in the dark shattered having spent the day with friends, have a hot bath and my tea then try and get all my homework done before I fell asleep.

Has racing affected your relationship with the bike? If so, how?

A lot of the time I don’t go out riding for enjoyment and it can feel like I’m in a rut, always following the numbers and planning routes around what efforts I have to do. I definitely fall out of love with cycling towards the end of the season, but when the season’s done and I ride for fun without a schedule I realise I still feel the same way about the bike as I did when I first started riding years ago. Once I finish racing I like to think I’ll still ride as much as I can.

Do you agree with Mickey Goldmill's advice to Rocky that 'women weaken legs'?

It depends on the woman involved. Some will be a distraction while others will bring the best out of you.

All cyclists, whether they race or not, seem to obsess over the weight of their bikes. Why do you think this is?

Probably because it’s significantly less effort than doing hard training and following a diet. I always enjoyed tinkering with my bikes and “tuning” them. I guess it’s a bit of a hobby for some people too.

Do you approach riding, or ride your bike, differently now to when you first got into cycling?

Primarily I ride to train and prepare for races. Enjoyment, to a degree, is secondary. I still enjoy going out and returning home knackered like before but if training doesn’t go as planned you can come back feeling a bit deflated. Some days it’s good to refresh things and go out with your mates, without numbers or a time schedule and just ride like I used to years ago.

Who has been your favourite pro riders over the years and why?

Before I was a pro I used to love watching the big stars. For me in the mid 2000s Vinokourov was my favourite rider to watch. Since being a pro I respect more the riders that aren’t in the limelight. Imanol Erviti springs to mind. He’s a gentle giant and one of the most respected riders in the bunch. He’s a great racer in his own right and he’s played a big part in many of Movistar’s biggest victories over recent years.

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

For me my favourite era was early mid 2000’s when I first started watching pro racing. More brightly coloured jerseys and shorts than now and more “traditional” bikes. It was around the time just before helmets became mandatory so you could identify the riders faces more easily and see the pain and suffering on the climbs.

What is your favorite piece of cycling kit (either something you currently own or have in the past)?

Currently it’s my thick winter training jackets. Now, most of our kit is made to measure and for a tall lanky person like myself that makes a big difference. I give away a lot of my kit after the season but I never give away the thermal training jackets. I hated it when the sleeves were too short in the winter and exposed my wrists to the cold. It’s a nice luxury to have that I appreciate every time I wear one.

What do you think about Strava?

I don’t upload rides personally but I use the app when looking at race routes to find information about climbs etc.

If it gets people out in the fresh air on bikes then it’s not a bad thing but purely going out to beat a certain time or coming home pissed off because you couldn’t beat that time doesn’t appeal to me. I’ve read about blokes falling out about Strava segments which seems a bit sad.

What do you think about Sportive rides?

I like the idea of bringing different people together that wouldn’t normally have met but I don’t agree with the extortionate prices some events charge. Some people taking part need to respect the area they’re riding in a bit more. I remember crossing paths with a sportive locally to me a few years ago and seeing blokes riding five abreast and littering gel wrappers and all sorts at the road side, I didn’t like that and it doesn’t do any good to the reputation of the local cyclists.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

When I catch and pass a rider I don’t know while out training. I give a polite wave and greeting as I’m passing but get nothing in return only to turn my head around a few minutes later to find them sat in my wheel.

Also when cyclists ride through red lights and generally show no respect to other road users.

Are there any cycling traditions that you think have been, or are being, lost as a result of changing attitudes and behaviour? And are we better off or worse off as a consequence?

No one seems to drink pots of tea at the cafe anymore! All I see cyclists drinking in the cafes now are flat whites and Americanos. For me, tea is the traditional drink of the British club cyclist and I always try and honour that when I’m home.

Cotton cap or helmet?

A few years ago cotton cap, against my parents wishes, but now nearly always a helmet.

The benefits of spinning a low gear compared to mashing a high gear is often discussed. Putting aside the serious, physiological and mechanical aspects, what cadence you think looks right?

About 90rpm on the flat, 80rpm on the climbs.

What do you like to talk about when you are on a ride with friends/team/club mates? Do you prefer to keep the subjects lightweight or get your teeth into something contentious or controversial?

Depends who I’m riding with. With James Knox, for example, we can get our teeth stuck into something trivial and argue for hours on end about it.

When were/are you most happy?

When I’m with like-minded friends, doing something we enjoy, having a laugh without any stress or time restraints.

When did you laugh the hardest?

Recently in the Giro on some of the flat transitional stages we had a good bit of banter between the young British riders. It was mainly me defending myself against their abuse, but we had a good time.

Are you the type of person who likes to have a plan? Or do you prefer to wing it?

Definitely like having a plan.

If you could edit your past, what would you change?

Not much, I’ve tried to learn from mistakes I’ve made along the way which have helped me get to where I am today.

All photos provided by Hugh Carthy

Written by Thom Barnett

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Lincoln GP 2019

May 17, 2019

Written by Thom Barnett

This years Lincoln GP.

All words and Photos by Thom Barnett

Written by Thom Barnett

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Cycling, Pro, Yompin

Fluid Mechanics #5 ~ Michele Bartoli

Apr 23, 2019

Written by Thom Barnett

During the 1997 edition of Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Italian Michele Bartoli broke away with another Italian, Marco Pantani and teammates Alex Zulle and Laurent Jalabert of the ONCE team.

The climbing specialist Pantani was quickly dropped on the flat stretches and the World Champion Johan Museeuw failed to bridge the gap to the leaders by 50 meters.

With 16miles remaining, the breakaway trio had 1min10 on the chase group.

Teammates Zulle and Jalabert attacked one after the other on the Cote Sart Tilman but were unable to drop the Italian. A tired Zulle was dropped after an acceleration by Bartoli in the final kilometres.

As Bartoli and Jalabert approached the finish, Bartoli launched the ultimate attack in the final uphill, dropping Jalabert and claiming his first win in the Ardennes Classic.

Bartoli’s form on the bike, his position out of the saddle is a beautiful spectacle - one of the finest examples of fluid mechanics ~ when man and machine are at one creating some kind of liquid poetry.

Words by Thom Barnett

Written by Thom Barnett

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Fluid Mechanics #4 ~ Andrei Tchmil

Apr 08, 2019

Written by Thom Barnett

10th April, 1994. 167.8 miles

PARIS ~ ROUBAIX

Easily recognizable with his signature grimace, old-style helmet, and powerful riding style.

The only cyclist to have four nationalities. A retired Soviet (until 1991), Moldovan (1992–1995), Ukrainian (1995–1998) and Belgian (since 1998).

In an apocalyptic maelstrom of mud, blood, and cobblestones he won alone that day with an advantage of over a minute in front of Fabio Baldato and Franco Ballerini.

Tchmil used Rock Shox Paris~Roubaix SL suspension folks which subsequently launched an 'ad-blitz' for the product.

The race time that day was 7h 28' 02"

At the age of 31 Andrei Tchmil took his first and only victory at The Hell of The North.

All words by Thom Barnett

Written by Thom Barnett

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Fluid Mechanics #3 ~ Jacky Durand

Apr 01, 2019

Written by Thom Barnett

The 76th running of The Tour of Flanders was held on Sunday the 5th of April, 1992.

For the first time in the Ronde van Vlaanderen, a rider from the early breakaway stayed ahead until the finish ~ that rider was Jacky Durand.

The race started in Sint-Niklass and finished in Meerbeke, a total of 257km and featured 14 categorised climbs including the Paterberg, Muur-Kapelmuur and the Oude Kwaremont.

Durand broke away with Thomas Wegmuller and two others after only a quarter of the race. There was 217km still to ride.

By the time the escape reached the first climb their lead was 24 minutes.

That day they had caught the peloton sleeping and there was no way back for them.

On the final climb of the day, the Bosberg, the Frenchman Durand attacked and held a narrow lead to the finish.

He eventually won by 48" seconds.

Years later Durant was stopped for speeding. The Belgian policeman who came to his car said "You won Tour of Flanders in 92'" and let him drive on.

All words by Thom Barnett

Written by Thom Barnett

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Fluid Mechanics #1 ~ Gianni Bugno

Mar 18, 2019

Written by Thom Barnett

In 1990 the Italian Gianni Bugno won Milan ~ San Remo in very classy fashion.

Crosswinds along the Riviera had broken up the peloton, scattering the riders into three large echelons.

Angelo Canzonieri took a punt off the front after passing Imperia. Bugno followed the move.

On the Cipressa, with his upper body still, arms fixed on the hoods, turning over a huge gear, Bugno dropped Canzonieri effortlessly and took off solo.

He held 18 seconds at the top of the Cipressa and 15 seconds on the Poggio.

Rolf Golz stalked Bugno all the way to San Remo ~ Bugno won by 4 seconds.

The average speed for the race was 28.45mph, the current record for La Primavera.

All words by Thom Barnett

Written by Thom Barnett

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Local Riders Q&A - Gary Speight

Feb 25, 2019

Written by Thom Barnett

Gary Speight was a road racing cyclist from Doncaster, South Yorkshire. He started riding at the age of 13 years old after his Dad bought him a bike from a local auction for £15 - A 25" Puch frame, which enabled Gary to ride to his (then) girlfriends house, instead of catching the bus!

Soon after he joined the Rotherham Wheelers in 1982 and began to take bike riding more seriously after riding from Doncaster to Castleton at the age of 15. He described this as "a great feeling". He then joined the Chesterfield Couriers the next year.

In 1985 he went with a local friend Steve Goff (Rutland.CC) to Belgium for a week and rode a race in Heist Op Den Berg.

He placed in the top 10 regularly as a junior and came 2nd in the regional devision champs to Glyn Shirley.

'Speighty' represented Great Britain as a junior at the Tour of Austria in 1985, chosen after placing at the Peter Buckley events in the Peak District.

He rode for the GB team in the Peace Race (Berlin ~ Warsaw ~ Prague) twice, the second time in 1995 with with John Tanner, Chris Lillywhite, Matt Stephens, Wayne Randall and Mark Walsham.

As a racing cyclist, which results are you most proud of and why?

My win in the Triptique Ardannais in Belgium (1990) and a kermesse race i won in Ooedelem, West Flanders. It was in the home town of a family who looked after me while I was racing over there. I gave the winning bouquet of flowers to Aline Versluys and Johan Teerlinke for all the hard work they did for me while I was trying to chase my dream. Also the Boone family from Gent and a pro rider Werner Wieme who also helped as I stayed with him a lot!

Which are your favourite stretches of road to ride on and what is it that you like about them?

Cape Town, South Africa from Bellville to Capetown. About 10km roughly. It is called Voortreker Road. It isn’t the nicest view around but down that road you see all sorts of life, from wealthy people to poor people living rough and the famous crazy taxi drivers. A very interesting place!

What is your most memorable moment on the bike or involved with cycling

Watching Stephen Roche win the triple. His 1987 win at Villach, Austria has got to be one of the best world championships to watch.

Do you agree with Mickey Goldmill's advice to Rocky that 'women weaken legs'?

I’d say women make mens legs stronger!

All cyclists, whether they race or not, seem to obsess over the weight of their bikes. Why do you think this is

Because they are trying to stay lean! I was one of them. Watching what i ate, cutting back on things.

What is your favorite piece of cycling kit (either something you currently own or have in the past)?

My pride and joy bike that my Mum and Dad bought me from Tony Butterworths in Sheffield. It was a blue Gureciotti with Campagnolo Super Record components on for £450, back in 1983 or 84 i think.

Until my best friend Martin Maltby (Mojo) ran a red light after the Chesterfield Grand-Prix and bent the forks right back. He’s still my friend by the way!

Cotton cap or helmet?

I never liked wearing a helmet. I preferred to get my hair blonde from the heat of the sun, or these days just my shaved head!

White, black or coloured socks?

I always liked white socks, until i raced on the cobbles in Europe then I switched to black or coloured.

Who would be/is your perfect tandem partner?

Wayne ‘The Train’ Randall.

Written by Thom Barnett

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Local Rides Q&A - Colin Sturgess

Jan 03, 2019

Written by Thom Barnett

Colin Sturgess, is a former English road and track cyclist who enjoyed a 14 year career between 1986 and 2000. He won gold and bronze in the individual pursuit on the track at the world championships in 1989 and 1991. He won the British National Race Road Champs in 1990 on the road.

Born in Ossett, Wakefield, Colin turned professional after the 1988 Olympic Games and rode for Greg LeMond at the iconic ADR team.

Colin has also worked as a wine maker and wine educator near Sydney, Australia, winning national awards for this work.

__________________________________________________________________________

As a racing cyclist, which results are you most proud of and why?

I guess most will remember me for winning the 1989 World pursuit championships, which is kind of hard to top, but I’m equally proud of winning the British National Road Championships in 1990. There’s a handful of other races including my first pro win at De Haan, and breaking a world pursuit record over 5000m at the world champs in 1991, but two that really tested me were winning the New South Wales Points Race championships in 1998 and again in 2000. Anyone that raced the Australian track carnivals and championships will know how bloody hard it is to win a State title over there… Every second rider is a World or Commonwealth champ!

Which are your favourite stretches of road to ride on locally and what is it that you like about them?

I live back in Leicester nowadays (after 20-odd years in Australia) and I love my lanes and loops heading south out of the city towards Cosby, Willoughby, Gilmorton, Kimcote and beyond… or a snappy loop out towards Wolvey and the lanes in Warwickshire. I missed the lanes so much when I lived in Aus. You can just switch off, get into a nice steady tempo, and know that you’ll see maybe one or two cars every now and then. You’re more likely to get abuse from a pissed-off badger than a motorist.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

Again I used to love getting lost in the lanes and paths over in East Flanders. I’d do my intervals and motor-pacing on roads which were in the Polders and are pretty boring, but then my endurance stuff I’d head out and just ride for hours with a Michelin map folded in the middle pocket and go lane hunting. There are some doozies near where I used to live: St. Niklaas/Temse area. In Australia we’d stick to the same roads most days; out towards the National Park south of Sydney and on to Woollongong; laps around Centennial Park; and up over the Harbour Bridge, up the coast to Whale Beach/Avalon… Too much traffic for my liking though.

What is your most memorable moment on the bike or involved with cycling

There’s been a few to be fair! Apart from winning races, and being involved in winning teams, a couple of my most memorable and emotional moments have come behind the wheel of the team-car DSing. In 2017 Dan Fleeman won Rutland-Melton for the small Metaltek-Kuota team, which was meticulously planned and executed, and this year with Connor Swift winning the National Road Race champs I was a blubbering mess in the car. We’d spoken about the importance of having the jersey, and wearing it for a year, but also having the honour to wear the bands on your sleeves for a lifetime. He’s one of the youngest riders to have won that jersey too at 22… beaten only by me at 21! Haha, sorry Swifty!

Has racing affected your relationship with the bike? If so, how?

Yeah, I’d say it has. I think mostly in a positive light, but there were years where I turned away from the sport and had nothing to do with the bike. When I moved from Sydney to the Hunter Valley vineyards and started work in the wine industry no-one knew of my sporting prowess for ages (I never used to mention it, why would I?)and it was only a couple of years later when we were sat around having a few beers in the old Tallawanta pub watching highlights of the Tour de France, my name was mentioned for some reason by Ligget and Sherwin, and my winemaking mates looked at me and the penny dropped. As you know, most Australians are sports mad, so I never had to buy a beer again in the Tallawanta. But riding has helped me greatly with my struggles with depression and bi-polar. Apart from the physical health benefits, and the release of dopamine etc, a good mince about in the lanes allows for thought, allows for contemplation, and gives pause. Only issue is I do tend to press on a bit, which pisses my mates and training partners off sometimes.

Do you agree with Mickey Goldmill's advice to Rocky that 'women weaken legs'?

Nah! It’s a myth! One of my best ever results in a tough Belgian race was achieved after spending the morning “in flagrante delicto” with my girlfriend, then getting a panicked call from my DS to tell me I was racing a couple hours later. So I rode to the race, got in the break, got caught, attacked solo with 2km to go and only got caught with 300m to go by the Buckler sprinters. Although, admittedly the next time I tried this devious tactic it backfired and I got spat in the first 40km!

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom, has it affected you? Do you see any negatives to the increase in popularity?

The only negatives I see are a backlash against cyclists by uninformed and arrogant motorists, and the demise of the cycling club and ‘club-life’. Those steady winter club-rides and getting a bollocking for mucking around taught me a few lessons in life, let alone bike riding. Simple things learnt early doors stay with you for life. One of our Madison Genesis lads, Johnny McEvoy is a prime example. If you ride next to him, or behind him, he ALWAYS gestures when he’s getting out of the saddle. Here’s a guy that started with a good club up in Liverpool, has ridden at ProConti level, and he still remembers the courtesy. I’d love to be more involved with teaching young club riders the etiquette, it’s dying out. But in general, the more bums on saddles, the better. It’s supposed to be an inclusive sport, not exclusive.

All cyclists, whether they race or not, seem to obsess over the weight of their bikes. Why do you think this is?

The weight thing has always interested me. Having turned pro on bikes that would be scoffed at by most people now, and being fortunate enough to have raced on some of the latest and lightest gear going, I’d say in hindsight I didn’t give it enough credence. As long as it wasn’t like dragging an anchor around, and it was functional, I was happy. I only ever had one 753 frame, and all my team bikes were either standard Colombus TSX or Tange tubing, nothing flash. But GOD, I love a light bike now! Sorry steel purists, but having had to drag nearly 10kg of pig-iron up the Muur and Kemmelberg has diminished my fondness for them… then again, I should probably just skip a couple of beers and lose weight myself. But bugger that idea!

Do you approach riding, or ride your bike, differently now to when you first got into cycling?

I do, and I have to. I’m now 50 and I have to accept that I need more recovery, and I’m prone to having lower back problems. For instance in 2017/18 most weekends I spend 12-15hours behind the steering-wheel of the team car, and on a Monday I could hardly turn a pedal in anger… but by Tuesday I’m keen to give it a nudge again. My racing career was based on a diet of motorpacing, z2 mincing, and lots of racing. Not much in between tbh. I wish I could motorpace these days... love it. Nothing like 200km behind the moto!

Who has been your favourite pro riders over the years and why?

Odd thing is that I was young enough to have pictures on my wall of guys I ended up racing with in my first year pro: guys like Greg Lemond, Eddy Plankaert, Frank Hoste, Sean Yates, Allan Pieper. But one guy that stands out is Sean Kelly. A hero to many, and especially to me, so to share a manager with him and have interaction in races with Sean (despite being in opposing teams) was pretty special. Sean Yates was another rider I looked up to massively. Then when we raced together and buggered about in kermesses I loved it! Doing a two-up TT down the windward side of the bunch at 60kph… Never to be forgotten.

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

Oooph! Difficult that one… I look back at my short time on the continent and sometimes think was a golden era, and in many ways it was. But then again, despite the very obvious, I enjoyed the late 90s and 2000s. VDB and Bartoli... taking chunks out of each other up La Redoute in LBL... oh yes! I was never a huge fan of Merckx, and after meeting him a few times I’m still underwhelmed. A GOD on a bike; not so off it.

Mudguards, mudguards and mudflaps or racing bike with clip on guards through winter?

Nada. Hate the bloody things. I’d rather get completely and utterly ‘shit-up’ with spray and crud than have muddies on. I turned up at my first professional team training ride in early January in Belgium with guards on and was laughed at, and rightly so. Mince about at Z1 with guards, no drama, but train properly without the buggers. And for those that whinge about staying clean, it’s bike riding! It’s an inherently grubby bloody sport. Grow a pair… Preferably not mudguards. Then again, I’m always happy to fight for the wheel that has muddies on.

Do you enjoy a cafe stop or do you prefer to ride straight round?

I am renowned for not stopping… although I’m trying hard to adapt! Nah, my premise is get the ride done, then stop. Especially in winter. Why on earth would you want to ride for a couple of hours getting cold and wet and muddy because some old ex-pro hasn’t put mudguards on (Hah!) then sit in a café that usually serves weak coffee, to go out again and freeze your ‘cojones’ off? It’s abhorrent! In Leicester we have a decent group that goes out when we are all back home, and the two stalwart anti-café-stop riders are myself and Lucy Garner. I figure I’m in good company.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Eeek! Ok, honestly? Griffo used to help out with some Assos back in the day, so I have used that brand, but I’ve never had the money to use Rapha, apart from a pair of overshoes. But to be perfectly honest I’m more than happy with GSG or Madison kit. It may not have that Rapha/Assos status, but frankly I don’t care. It’s comfy, it’s functional, and it’s warm in winter/cool in summer. So I guess neither… although I hear this Mamnick kit is quite spiffy!

What is your favorite piece of cycling kit (either something you currently own or have in the past)?

I love my power-meter (Shimano DA) and Garmin head-unit. I’m old-skool enough to know that there’s a balance of science and art, numbers and feel, but I love looking down whilst half-wheeling Rob Orr and knowing I have watts to give. Besides this, I really loved my Campag Ghibli disc wheels from the pursuiting days… Double disc (front/rear) and a lo-pro Harry Quinn… Lush. I never had the money as an amateur rider to get into kit… I rode what I could afford or what the National squad gave, which, mid 1980s wasn’t great.

Do you prefer to get your head down on main roads, keep a good tempo going on the ‘B’ roads or get onto the back-wacks? What about the rough stuff on your road bike?

Avoid main roads at all costs! I hate the bloody things. One of my regular rides has about 500m on the A5 near Lutterworth and I genuinely hate it. Reason I have to use it is that it’s the only real way onto the Wolvey circuit at Magna Park, and all my 20min efforts are done from there. As I’ve mentioned before, I love nothing more than a good mince in the lanes and smaller roads but some guys I’ve ridden with hate it, as in their opinion, “you can’t do specific efforts”… Yeah, maybe, but you’ve gotta be able to put out that power on all sorts of terrain, so get it done.

What do you think about Strava?

Strava. I was initially not fussed; now, I’m quite happily a staunch supporter. I use Training Peaks, but Strava is my ‘go to’. To be perfectly honest, I have NFI about live segments etc, so any KOMs I have are usually through local knowledge or mishap!

What do you think about Sportive rides?

As long as organisers don’t take the piss and charge a million quid then I have no issue. I’ve ridden a few, and quite enjoyed them. But I get all het up when people start to race them! Ffs, if you want to race – race a race! Don’t get all agro when a dad and daughter may be pottering along at 13mph and you’re trying to get passed at 33mph. And keep a sense of proportion and levity…

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

Cycling pet hates…? *pulls up a chair*

I do. Flagrant disregard for rules of the road for one. I know cyclists/bike riders are copping a hell of a lot of flack at present, so why make it worse and antagonise other road users… it’s up to us that know better to do better. So don’t jump that traffic light, don’t just pull out and expect drivers to pre-empt you, and yep, even though we’re allowed to ride two abreast, don’t always take it as a given… single up for 30seconds, let the cars passed. Poor etiquette in the bunch is another, but that will take far too long for this Q&A!

Are there any cycling traditions that you think have been, or are being, lost as a result of changing attitudes and behaviour? And are we better off or worse off as a consequence?

Yeah, for sure… as I mentioned previously, the club scene has all but died and all that traditional knowledge is drying up. I’m not stuck in the 90s/00s at all, but we need to learn from those that have come before. There’s youngsters out there that have no knowledge of cycling’s greatest heroes (and villains) and that’s a real shame. People like Chris Sidwells has the right idea with the legacy of Tom Simpson, but we are fast forgetting those that came before the current crop of world beaters. So, do yourselves a favour, get into some cycling history, learn a bit about our rich and varied past. It’ll get you off Twitter for a bit at least...

Cotton cap or helmet?

Sorry my paternalistic friends, but I’m firmly cloth cap and happy to embrace liberty and thus consequence. Of course I do wear a helmet, but I also hold the option of not wearing one as a crucial aspect of choice.

The benefits of spinning a low gear compared to mashing a high gear is often discussed. Putting aside the serious, physiological and mechanical aspects, what cadence you think looks right?

Cadence is something dear to my heart! I used to spin like crazy... but I do enjoy a good stomp too. There’s nothing prettier than VDB or Bartoli hitting out at 100rpm.

White, black or coloured socks?

White, although I’m a covert convert to the use of black socks these days… I started rocking the coloured sock back in 89, and loved every second of the frisson. Always rolled down in those days, now I love a bit of height, but NOT half way up yer leg ffs! Those ultra high things are anathema.

Frame pump or mini pump?

I’ve still got a couple of the original Zefal FPX frame kicking around and they are mint! But on modern carbon frames it takes a fair bit of juggling to get one to fit, so I normal roll with a mini-pump or even a CO2 cartridge. (Cycling pet-hate number 156: if you are going to put a mini-pump in your back pocket, please put it in the middle one. It screws badly with my OCD seeing one in the right/left pocket).

What do you like to talk about when you are on a ride with friends/team/club mates? Do you prefer to keep the subjects lightweight or get your teeth into something contentious or controversial?

Everything! I love a good natter and I love turning people onto new experiences and learning. Joe Parkin and I used to have some good old philosophical chats, and other times just talk utter trash. Back in the day most of the chat on the team training rides revolved around bikes, cars, women, money. I used to love riding with Pieper because he could chat literature, art, Buddhism. Rob Orr is the guy I ride with most and we go highbrow and lowbrow. But I hate skinny climbers chatting away halfway up a berg... Geezuz!

Who would be/is your perfect tandem partner? Would you ride captain or stoker?

Tandem riding died for me back in 1986/7! I rode one around the old Calshot velodrome for a TV ad. Hated every second. If COERCED I’d ride stoker... with either VDB or Bartoli.