This is a long overdue entry to the Local Rides Q&A as me and Jonathan exchanged these email nearly a year ago, so my apologies to Jon for the wait on completing this. There are also a few more Q&A's to go up on this journal over the next couple of weeks too so keep your eyes-peeled. 

Jonathan Tiernan-Locke's major breakthrough as a professtional cyclist came from winning four stages during the 2012 UCI Europe Tour, including the Tour of Britain while riding for Endura Racing. He has also rode for Rapha-Condor Sharp (2011) and Team Sky (2013-2014). 

Now JTL is riding for a team he co-founded, inspired by the patron saint of tin-miners and Cornwall - Saint Piran. ( http://saintpiran.cc )

Saint Piran was apparently tied to a mill-stone by the heathen Irish and pushed over a cliff into rough seas. The sea then became calm and the saint floated back to the beach in Perranzabuloe, the place where is was buried. 

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

Pride comes before a fall and I’ve always felt more relief than anything else when I’ve won.  It’s funny but I see guys screaming when they’ve won a race and I’ve just never felt like that. It’s more like, “Thank fuck that’s over, and I won… And didn’t crash!”.

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

Anything on Dartmoor or the South Devon coast line.  It’s all so incredibly beautiful at any time of year. I love the contrast of stringing together the moonscape of the moor with the picturesque scenes of Salcombe and Dartmouth.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

The Pyrenees, without doubt.

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

Getting drunk under the table in a Korean nightclub by Estonian hardman and cycling legend Jaan Kirsipuu.

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

For a time it did: when I starved myself, stared at a power meter and dreaded training camps and shit races. I was trying to change the sort of rider I was, chasing something else. But now it’s back how it used to be; just going out and enjoying cycling for the sake of it. Taking an interest in the equipment again and training how I want.

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

Sorry Mick, you’re wrong!

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom in cycling in the UK at the moment. Has it affected you? Do you have any thoughts about why it has happened and whether it will continue? Do you see any negatives to the increase in popularity?

We are, but I see it as cycling just growing up. The friction between disciplines has all but disappeared and it has become a more mainstream sport.  The anglicisation of the sport at World Tour level has attracted proper sponsors and the guys at the top are household names. Participation is higher at grassroots level and a UK based pro can now earn a reasonable living if he’s handy.  Women’s cycling is going in the right direction too, albeit more slowly. Perhaps we’re on the crest of a wave and there will be some tailing off, but I see no negatives from cycling’s new found popularity.

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

In the past I’ve been guilty of this. It’s easy to get caught up in a numbers game, and some will find it easier to shave weight off their bike than to lay off the cakes.

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

Of course. As a kid I wasn’t a cyclist! I was a mountain biker who did rad jumps!  There was no training, no SPD pedals or helmets. We’d watch MTB videos to get all fired up before going out and taking lumps out of our shins with bear-trap pedals.  Now it’s much more gentile - with training rides - although I like to get out to the local DH centre on the MTB when I can.  

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

In my early days it was guys like Martin Ashton, riding trials.  Racing XC as a junior it was Nick Craig and Roland Green.  Then Lance came back and he was the coolest guy ever. I even started pedaling faster! Despite what has happened with the guy I still think he was the best. It was the era, and no amount of PC bullshit will change that.  In the classics Bettini was the man!

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

The 90’s and early 2000’s without doubt.  So many characters.  I started learning about the sport in about 2003, watching old VHS tapes that Colin Lewis lent me and reading some books. I was both enchanted and inspired.

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

A Castelli Gabba jacket…so versatile.  

What do you think about Strava?

I actually like it.  I mean sometimes it pisses me off seeing these downhill segments through a local town or whatever, where some guy has basically been a menace without regard for anyone’s safety…just to put his time out of reach.  But as a harmless bit of competition I think it’s good fun. I’ll push myself harder in training to beat my own times as well, so it has a benefit.

What do you think about Sportive rides?

I used to think they were a bit pointless: to the anti social guys who are basically time trialling, I say go and do a real race.  But as a social thing, with the camaraderie of riding with a huge group, and a big event feel, I think they’re great.  It’s a date in the diary that gives people a training focus and is helping the cycling trade no end.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

Half wheeling, poorly maintained bikes, scabby kit. 

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?

There are many, but one of the most lamentable is the decline of the cycling club and the culture that went with that.  As a young rider getting into the sport I was helped immeasurably by the Mid Devon cycling club.  Getting a kicking on the club run a few times gave me something to aim for and taught me cycling etiquette and how to ride safely in a bunch.  Things I took for granted until I first rode with a newer generation of cyclist. They’ll happily half wheel you, totally oblivious.  Also the sense of entitlement that many very average cyclists have when it comes to getting support or sponsorship, expecting to be given free kit for getting round a premier calendar in the bunch.

Cotton cap or helmet?

Until about two years ago I would never dream of training in a helmet.  I guess I started feeling the pressure and was taking so much sh*t for riding without that I wore one for an easy life.  I can’t stand pro-helmet crusaders though.

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?

90rpm

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?

Totally depends on who I’m with, but it’s mostly piss-taking and stories!

Which three words best describe you?

Wilful. Thoughtful. Youthful.

Did you used to listen to music before a race? If so, did you have a favourite tune or playlist?

I often did, but it would always change and depend on my mood. My music taste is all over the place, so it could be something uplifting, or something like Joy Division.  Either way, it wouldn’t affect the outcome.

When were/are you most happy?

Goes without saying really, but when I have no stress and a goal to work at. Now is a pretty good example of such a time.

Who would be your guests at your perfect dinner party (dead or alive)?

Churchill, Ali G, Michael McIntyre, Di Nero. They could bring their other halves to even out the gender ratio.

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

On the assumption I could return to present day? It would have to achieve something, so maybe I’d avert some great tragedy, but that wouldn’t be fair on all the others.  Perhaps I’d go back to a couple of years before Facebook came out. 

When was the last time you cried?

Probably watching some sad film, wildlife documentary or at a funeral last year.

When did you laugh the hardest?

Impossible to say!  I laugh a lot every day.

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

A bit of both: I like to have the outline of a plan there and ‘wing’ the detail!

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

I don’t believe in changing the past as it would have as yet unknown future consequences.  I’m totally happy with my life’s trajectory and wouldn’t want to alter that.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life? 

Right now?  Fish and chips and a few beers.

I first came across the work of Camille McMillan when I saw Le Metier, the book of ex-Team Sky rider Michael Barry. A full season in the world of a pro-cyclist. The images stood out to me, as it wasn’t your usual ‘sports photography’. How the pro’s prepare, behind the scenes images, have always interested me. It's as close as some will get to being on the 'inside' of the sport and images of this ilk I've always found interesting and inspiring. 

There was something different about the details and aura of the images that Camille captures that were different to what I’d seen before. Not just your standard reportage you find in the weekly magazines, something altogether more stylish, more artistic. 

Me and Camille chatted over email about some bike-related things and his new project ‘The Circus’.

Firstly, what's go you into cycling and cycling photography?

When I was a young lad my old man used to take me to the 6 days in London. Trips over to Belgium on the Hovercraft. I am a second generation cyclist.There is that old expression, “once you have raced your a racer for life”. Or is it “Once a bike rider always a bike ride”. Something like that.  

So, did you race? What did you take from that?

My first race was at 8, cyclo cross. I started at the top of a hill straight down through a river. The old man put me in a Junior event! Good work! I cried. What did I take from being a bike racer? The body has no memory of the pain, only the emotions surrounding it.  I don't stop until I literally can't move. As long as I breath, I attack etc.

Since your so close to the ‘pro-scene’, is there anything that surprises you? Or should I re-phrase that? What have you been most surprised by?

Just how transitory everything is, nothing is fixed. One reason for the name ' The Circus’. Also, there are ring masters.

I'm glad you've mentioned your book 'The Circus'. Perhaps you could say a bit more about that and what is your criteria for a photo 'making-the-cut' lets say?

Just because its ‘a name’ in the picture doesn’t mean it makes the cut. A picture has to have something other. A moment, a story, an insight.. a ‘what-the-fuck!’. I like a WTF picture best.

Do you have any cycling pet hates, or photography ones for that matter?

Cycling pet hates. The usual, half wheelers, stems under 110cm and nodders. Photography. In the context of reportage and cycling, I hate faux reportage, selective sharpening, a long list. Shooting into the sun, exposing for the highlights, de-saturating. Would you like the full rant?

What's the best context for your work? Do you find that the social media sites such as Instagam and Twitter hinder or help the way in which your work is seen? 

Best context for my work is book or on the wall. Social media is fun, it can help for sure, but Instagram is mostly ‘not’ about photography.

What challenges does a sports photographer face?

Challenges for sports photographers hmmm, I don't see myself as one actually. I'm a photographer / artist that is obsessed with cycling.  I would imagine the hardest part of being a sports photographer is dealing with the boredom of it. Can you imagine being a finish line photographer?! Also, most cycling and sports photographers are looking not just for a moment, but brands to flog their images to.

You say you don't see yourself as a sports-photographer, more an artist. How do you feel your work fits into the art-context? More-so, what posses you to photograph bike-racing?

Art context, hmm.  I'm into finding things, exploring. Why bike racing? Bike racing set me off on my path in life. I left school at 16 and went and raced. That was it. I went back to school to study Art at 22 years old. Bike racing never leaves you. The thing is it’s ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’.

Whats your process? Do you like to wing-it? or is there a set-plan for every race? Are you in the team cars or just roaming like a spectator?

I'm on the back of moto's, on my own moto, in team cars, with mechanics, hitch-hiking. Whatever way to get the things I want. I always go with an idea. I focus just on that, just that. I’m an Artist you see.

If you would like to pledge funds to the Kickstart project of 'The Circus', please follow the link below. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/541205917/the-circus-a-book-of-cycling-reportage-photography

Photographs by Camille McMillan. 

Mark Walsham was born in Dronfield, his first cycling club was Chesterfield Spire. He turned professional in 1985 for the Raleigh Weinnman team and rode as a pro until 1998, riding for the Percy-Bilton team amongst others. Finally he finished his career with the Linda McCartney Racing Team.

During his career Mark won over 200 races including many stages in the classic and now defunct Milk Race. 

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

Grand Prix of Wales 1987 – 138miles, won alone by almost 3 minutes.  Manx International 1984.  Around 200 race wins; everybody remembers me as a sprinter, but I always tried to win alone, always more satisfying.

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

We really are spoilt with the Peak District on our doorstep.  The climb up from just outside Hathersage to the Gliding club at Abney is one that stands out for me, hardly any traffic, proper mini Alpine climb. Ann, my wife loves the back lanes and although they are invariably tougher roads, they’re quieter and take us back to our early cycling days when we just rode all day for fun as teenagers, before racing took over.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

Would have to be in South Africa, the road around the Cape, troops of Baboons around Simons Town and spectacular views on the road back to Camps Bay & Cape Town, great memories.

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

Lots of great moments, but probably travelling, meeting and making friends with people all over the world.

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

Had some good times racing all over the World, with some great teammates.  I stopped at the end of 1998 when a verbal agreement to manage the LindaMcCartney team the following year was ignored.  That was one flick too many.  I’ve met some great characters through cycling, but also a few bull-shitters/dreamers with their false promises and we all know what happened to the LM team.  So, for 13 years from then I walked away from cycling.  Only started riding again 2 years ago, for pleasure and fitness. I’m just like a kid again, loving it, it’s back to being ‘all about the bike’.

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

He must have batted for the other side, what a load of bull! A good woman gives your life stability and happiness, the foundations for success.

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom in cycling in the UK at the moment. Has it affected you? Do you have any thoughts about why it has happened and whether it will continue? Do you see any negatives to the increase in popularity?

More race coverage on the TV, more bikes on the road! – it’s got to be a good thing.  Lots of the new breed seem to have missed learning cycling etiquette through club riding, seeming to have none of the camaraderie with other cyclists – ‘all the gear & no idea’  But is that their fault?  And does it matter that cycling is attracting a different kind of rider?  More people on bikes has to be a good thing.

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

People sometimes look for easy answers, it’s easier to buy a light bike than ride harder for longer, eat less and lose body weight to improve performance.

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

I’ve regressed back to my youth in my riding, enjoying riding in the lanes.  Ann & our son, Sam both ride, so it’s great to ride together.  Still like to have a blast now and again though.

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

‘Big Ted’ has to be my no 1 hero, what an insatiable beast he was, super aggressive on the bike and a modest man off it.

What was your favourite era of professional bike racing?

1980’s

Do you think Bradley Wiggins looks cool despite his long socks or because of them?

Despite.

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

Depends how many bikes you have.  Mudguards and mudflaps work best, especially if you ride with others.  But if you only have 1 bike, clip on guards are fine, at least an effort’s been made.

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

Both; if its a steady Sunday ride with the family or old friends a cafe stop’s great.  If it’s a tempo ride, then straight round, a lot of people have to get back for family duties nowadays.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Largely depends on the size of your wallet.  Never used Rapha, Assos is great quality, but loads of good kit out there nowadays.  Some of the stuff direct from China is good and great prices – no need to be a label snob.

Do you, or have you, got/had a favourite piece of cycling kit?

I do like a gillet, great for keeping out the chill, without overheating.  My Garmin Edge is great as well, always used to keep a training diary, but the Garmin makes it so easy to upload and analyse your rides.

Do you prefer to get your head down on the A6, keep a good tempo going on the B roads or get onto the back wacks? What about the rough stuff on your road bike?

The latter two would be my choice, A6 only preferable when it’s icy.  ‘Back wacks’ are great for scenery and getting away from traffic, B roads are great for upping the tempo and getting the average (speed) up.

What do you think about Strava?

Strava’s good as long as it doesn’t become the objective and remains a means to record/anylyse your rides, as an encouragement to try different roads and as a motivation tool to get out there and ride.

What do you think about Sportive rides?

Great for attracting newcomers to the sport, but I can’t help thinking they’re a money making thing, in this country at least; but saying that, anything that gets ‘bums on seats’ has to be good.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

Ignorant car drivers – very rare that any of them acknowledge you for singling out or sometimes that you even exist!  Still, that’s what road rage was invented for, although these mini pumps are nowhere near as effective against the tin boxes as the longer, heavier ones we used to have ;-)

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?

Most of the big races that were the staples of the British road racing calendar seem to have disappeared; seems odd that there is so little racing for Elites during this current boom.  I’ve been out of it for a long time, but suspect it may be road closures that’s the big issue – correct me if i’m wrong.

Cottoncap or helmet?

Speaking as someone who’s had multiple fractures of the skull and cheekbone, obviously i’m a cotton cap man – old school i’m afraid, freedom of choice, although i’m pleased my son wears a helmet.  Yes a helmet may reduce the damage caused in an accident, but If the aim is to reduce accidents, educating drivers is the priority, not legislation targeting the cyclist.

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?

The tendency now seems to be more towards increased cadence as a more efficient technique and a fluid pedalling action always looks better, classier than the brute force approach of bigger gears, heaving out the saddle.  ‘Froomey’ takes it to extremes though, very effective, but can’t help thinking he looks a right ‘Fred’ with his little gear attacks.  Just goes to show there’s more than one way to get the job done.

White, black or coloured socks?

Contrast’s the key, white socks with any colour cycling shoes, black looks ok with white shoes – not keen on these long socks though.

Frame pump or mini pump?

A frame pump will do more damage in a ‘ruck’, but mini pumps are convenient and lighter for cycling

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?

Varies, depending on who you’re with and what the mood is.  That’s why it’s good to ride with different people, to get different opinions, views.

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

Always threatened to do a tandem TT with Ian Sanders – me on the front of course as Sandy’s ‘mince pies’ are not so good – not sure he’d trust me though; he has been in a high speed car accident with me driving and was never a relaxed passenger after that!