I'm lucky in that I get to ride by bike with Simon Keeton most weekends as part of the Rutland club runs. He was one of the first people I sent these questions to and although it's taken him nearly eight months to complete them, I always knew his answers and photos would be well worth wait. 

Simon once told me he was like a 'stick-of-rock', in that if you cut him in half he'd be 'Rutland through and through'. He's not ridden for any other club and followed in his father Colin's footsteps by being a stalwart of the club. A rider with a ton of class and great bloke to boot. 

Simon, along with his mate and fellow 'Rutlander' Jon Rickards is a former World Tandem Hour record holder. 

What would you say are the benefits of a new rider joining a proper cycling club?

If you join a proper "Club" that has members who've been riding and racing for years, then you should learn from those members about Club life and all that goes with it, riding skills, road craft, racing, promoting events, how to ride in a bunch and most importantly etiquette when riding in a bunch. What gets me is when people join a “racing team” or a Club that's only been around for about six months, they go out riding with them for a bit and almost overnight they think they’re the next Mark Cavendish and they know everything there is to know about riding and racing a bike.

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

There is absolutely nothing to discuss here, mudguards and the all important rear mud-flap all the time. For the weather that we have in the UK from November through to March and our atrocious roads there is no other option. How people can set off on a ride in the rain with no mudguards is beyond me, they must enjoy getting wet and cold.

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

I do enjoy a good cafe stop but I'm not always fussed about stopping, just depends who I'm out with, the weather and how I'm feeling. I do our Club’s Saturday morning teacake ride but I don’t usually stop at the café as it’s only a short ride, I prefer to stop at the café on the longer Sunday ride.

 

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Assos is my preferred choice for most of my cycling wardrobe. I wore Assos bibshorts when I raced as a schoolboy and I've never really worn anything else, I’ve tried a few other makes of shorts but nothing beats Assos, they're just so comfortable despite the high price.

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?

A good tempo on the A and B roads is good in a group or if you're out on the chain gang but most of the time I like to get out onto the back-wacks and get away from traffic as much as I can. As for rough stuff on your road bike, yes why not, it always makes the ride more interesting and you’re not likely to see any cars which is always a good thing.

What do you think about Strava?

It's alright if you're into thatsort of thing but I'm not really a stats and charts kind of person although I do like to look atwhere I’ve been and probably the average speed for my ride. For training I'm kind of old school, its all about riding your bike and hours in the saddle not looking at how fast someone else can ride on a "segment" of a road. When it comes down to it, speed only really matters when you've got a race number pinned on your back.

What do you think about Sportive rides?

They're alright in that they're getting people out of cars and onto bikes so that's a good thing but I’ve never entered one myself. I can’t really see the point of paying between £20 and £40 to ride with a group of cyclists on roads that I ride anyway and then get a certificate to say that I’ve ridden that specific route of 100km in such and such a time. The way that road racing is going in this country I can see that sportives will become more and more popular and will become “unofficial” races, a bit like reliability rides. With the season long Premier Calendar events down to just a handful of racesa year and so many local races and events just disappearing I can see riders turning to sportives in the not too distant future and treating them as races.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

People wearing shorts in winter, what’s all that about? Just because it’s sunny in November and you can see some blue sky from your kitchen window why on earth would you go out in shorts?Black socks are another one but that’s the next question and sock length is another debate that could go on forever.  

White, black or coloured socks?

This is a bit like the mudguards in winter question, as white socks are the standard issue for road riding. Black doesn’t and shouldn’t really be an option; if they are then they should only be worn in winter under overshoes. White socks with some colours are perfectly acceptable and socks should only be ankle high. If you want to wear socks half way up your calves or up to you knees then you should be playing tennis, not riding a bike. 

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?

Club riding and etiquette is something that’s been disappearing for quite a while. It’s good that there are more and more people on bikes because this hopefully means less people in cars. The Wiggo, Cavendish and Froome boom can do the sport no harm at all, but its basic club riding that today’s breed of new cyclists seem to be missing out on. Going out and buying all the best tackle that money can buy doesn’t just suddenly turn you into a good biker rider / handler.

Cotton cap or helmet?

Up until recently I was still part of the old school of cotton cap wearers. My Dad was killed in 1999 whilst racing anddied from his head injuries but I still didn’t wear a helmet even after that. A couple of years ago we had an older guy come down on one of the mid-week runs and landed straight on his head and we were only doing about 10mph so after that I started to wear one. I was probably one of five out of the forty or so riders on the run that didn’t wear a helmet so I felt a bit guilty at not wearing one. You could say that it was a like being in a race when you’re out with that amount of riders, only you’re not wearing a helmet and everybody else is. Chris Walker also had a dig at me on the way out to watch Lincoln a couple of years ago for not wearing one so I decided it was probably time to see sense. I must admit though if it was scorching hot and I was in Mallorca on a ride with a few others I think it’d be a cotton cap day.  

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?

Everyone seems to think that they can spin gears like Armstrong and Froome and win like them but they can’t, everybody is different. I’ve always kind of been somewhere in the middle myself, big gears if I’m riding a time trial and then obviously when I’m riding a road race it can be a bit of everything. Froome didn’t look the most elegant of riders last year on Ventoux when he jumped away from Quintana with his legs spinning like bees wings, but it worked for him and he’s obviously capable of sustaining that high cadence for a long period of time.

Frame pump or mini pump?

I used to have a frame pump then I went onto mini pumps but now I’m back on a full size frame pump. I always find that frame pumps work and mini pumps don’t. There’s nothing worse than puncturing in winter, stood freezing at the side of the road trying to blow your tyre up with a three inch pump. You can guarantee that whenever you’re in a group and someone punctures they always end up borrowing someone’s frame pump rather than using their own mini pump. Mini pumps do look good and can always fit in your pocket but I’d rather have a pump I know will work when I puncture.  

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?

Nothing in particular really, whatever’s in the news, the weather, racing, anything really but nothing too serious. 

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

I would say that my perfect tandem partner has been the one I’ve been lucky enough to ride many events with, my friend and Club mate Jon Rickards. I’ve ridden with a few different people on the tandem but with Jon we just seemed to “click” together when we rode together. We kind of knew how we both felt when we were racing and how well (or bad) we were both going. As for other tandem partners I would have liked to have had a go with my other Club mate Malc Elliott, maybe there’s still time yet before we both get too old and Jens Voigt would be another candidate. 

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The Local Riders Q&A continues with Russell Downing, who is quite literally a very local rider. Born in Rotherham (my hometown) Russell's pro career started back in 1999 and has ridden for a number of notable teams including Linda McCartney, CandiTV-Marshalls Pasta, Team Sky, Edura Racing and this year (along with his brother Dean) he will be riding for new outfit - NFTO Pro Cycling. 

'Fonzy' was British National Road Race Champion in 2005 and other notable results from a great career so far include the Tour de Wallonie (2010) and the Tour of Ireland (2009). 

 

 

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

Winning the National Road Race Championships. 

Winning Tour of Ireland because of the conditions and the teams I beat.

Becoming the 1^st British rider to win a race for Team Sky (Stage of Crit International). 

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

The Strines towards Sheffield; I just love the views and road whatever the weather. 

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

Would probably have to be any road with the ocean to one side of me. It feels so special. 

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

Would probably say the Tour of Ireland because it proved to a lot of people that I was capable of beating the worlds best riders and it got my contract at Team Sky. 

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

I don’t think so, I still love the bike and always will.

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

I don’t agree with it but it’s a great saying and the Rocky movies are a great motivator.

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom in cycling in the UK atthe 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?

Cycling is at high at the moment and its great to still be part of it , I just wish I was 10 years younger so I get more out of my career .more people on bikes is surley good for healthy living and making people fitter.

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

Probably because the fitter and lighter you are the better you will go on your bike. Power to weight ratio etc. 

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

Yeah a little bit but not loads. I just used to ride my bike whenever and with whoever, but know I have more structure and specific training for big goals and races during my season.  

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

Would have to be Sean Kelly as he was a true racer and I've been very privileged over the years to become friends with him, which is great. 

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

I would have to say the current era is the best.

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

Longs are cool and we started them before Brad, back on Team GB with Jamie Alberts , Charly Wegalius  and Tom Southam.

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

I like to train when training and have coffee stops on easy days. 

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Neither. 

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?

I'd always choose the back-wacks as its safer and normally better roads. Save the rough stuff for the mountain bike.  

What do you think about Strava?

Only used it once, I'd get addicted if I used it more. 

What do you think about Sportive rides?

They are growing in strength and are a great way of getting all abilties of riders on bikes and to challenge them.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

People on bikes not wearing helmets. Stay safe folks.  

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?

90 to 100rpm is probably a good cadence.

White, black or coloured socks?

White for sunny days black for rainy days.

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?

Normally short and sweet on the bike, get the job done.

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

Chris Walker - I reckon he’s a beast , I'd ride back and put my feet up because  he’s so strong.

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Notable results from Russ Downing's career

 

TOUR OF OMAN 

88^th OV 

62^nd TOUR OF FLANDERS 

35^th SHEDLDEPRIJS

115^th PARIS ROUBAIX 

BAYERN RUNDFAHRT

12^th NATIONAL ROAD RACE 

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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!

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“Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got ‘til it's gone” - Joni Mitchell

Cycling used to be the most beautiful sport. Beauty in both its purest sense, the aesthetic, and in the broader sense of the combination of all the qualities of a thing that delight the senses and mind.

Think of Gino Bartali, Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil or Eddy Merckx in their knitted jerseys, mid-thigh length shorts, perforated leather shoes with white ankle socks and cotton caps. Racing elegant Italian steel framed bikes equipped with exquisite, well engineered components that epitomised good design in that they looked as well as they functioned.

Add the pain and suffering of riders pushing themselves beyond physical limits comprehensible to most people and spectacular backdrops like the French Alps or Italian Dolomites and no other sport could touch cycling’s imagery. No other sportsman looked as cool as a racing cyclist.

Things have changed. Instead of knitted tops in natural colours, riders now wear lycra often with hideous day glow colour combinations. Cotton caps have been replaced by helmets and steel frames with traditional Italian lines and geometry have been replaced with bulbous, disgusting, plastic perversions of the that classic design. And these frames are fitted with freakshow components that belie their designers’ slavery to reducing weight at all costs.

Professional cyclists will always look cool because of their rake like, chiseled physiques and because of the sport itself. The images of cyclists putting themselves to the sword in the most beautiful scenery in the world will always be striking. But modern professionals manage to look cool despite the clothes they wear and the bikes they ride rather than because of them.

Antoine Ventouse 

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Blindside Lane is a destination road in my opinion, meaning, I usually ride out this way just to do this climb. In summer, if you're doing a longer ride into the Dark Peak of the Peak District, it's a quiet way to come back to Sheffield. In winter, I'll ride out to Low Bradfield and make this climb a vital part of a shorter ride, either around the lump, or sometimes just back over New Road and then onto Burbage (or the second part of Jaggers, which ever way you like to call it). 

The road itself is called Blindside Lane but it's always been know to me as The Italian Flag, due to an Italian flag that flies half way up the climb (sometimes) throughout the year. 

Blindside Lane is one of many roads around Strines that have been recently resurfaced, perhaps to aid transport needs with foresight of the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire in 2014. I must admit, I've only ever seen maybe two vehicles on that road all year, as most traffic has no reason to be on there. It's always a peaceful, pot-hole free, silky-smooth-ride that leads through a small section of trees called Andrew's Wood. Towards the top the woodland opens up, revealing a beautiful view down onto the Dale Dike Reservoir. At the end of the road if you turn right onto Sugworth Road which is another ace road that will take you onto the A57 to Lady Bower/Yorkshire bridge.

The Italian Flag has an average gradient of 5.5%. The first part is the hardest, even then it's not very tough. If you're racing up this, your missing a trick. Soak it up! This road is one of the Peak Districts hidden beauties and you'll be up it going steady in 11-14 minutes anyway. 

 

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Born in Finland to an English mother and Finnish father, Wegelius grew up in York in the UK, and went on to race for some of the best teams in cycling including the Belgian Lotto team, Italian Team Liquigas and the world’s most successful ever team; Mapei.

During an impressive eleven-year career he became one of his generations most trusted and reliable riders, riding in a remarkable fourteen Grand Tours (including three Tours de France). During this time he was hand picked to ride in support of some of the sports greatest champions, such as 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, and Italian Danilo DiLuca, alongside whom Charly was part of the team that won the 2007 Giro d’Italia.

Charly’s esteemed reputation at the very top tier of European professional racing, at a time when few other British riders had managed to break through to that level, helped to lay the foundations for the current crop of successful British professional cyclists.

Charly Wegelius currently worksas a director sportive for the American Garmin-Sharp team.

 

 

 

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

I didn’t finish the race, but the 2007 Giro was my best achievement.  Being a part of a winning team over a 3 week race is unbeatable.

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

I haven’t ridden a bike really since I retired, but when I was racing the Sacro Monte in Varese was one of my favorites.  

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

Many years ago I trained in the Napa Valley in Northern California. That was pretty special.

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

Seeing Eddy Merckx comments in the Gazetta Dello Sport the day after Franco Pellizotti won his Giro stage in 2006 * (see below)

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

It has ended it! I have not been able to swing a leg over a bike since I quit racing.  Pe rhaps it is still too closely associated with hard work and obligation to feel like a hobby. Maybe in time.

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

Many of masseurs in the past were totally convinced by this.  I wouldn’t say they weaken legs, but they could distract the mind, which has even worse effects on performance.  Often they can help to focus ones efforts though…..

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?

As I haven’t lived in the UK for many years, and am somewhat marginalized by the establishment, I have not seen much of this boom first hand.  I do however see many british faces at the races and that is great.  Only time will tell if this level of enthusiasm is sustainable, I certainly hope so.

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

Because its easier than starving yourself.

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

I used to clean my bike parts in Brasso and put them under the stairs wrapped in newspaper for the winter.  The spring after I quit I took my bike out, planning to ride it.  I never actually got round to riding it, and ended up going off to work a race.  When I got back weeds had grown up around the bike so I had to cut it free.  

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

I think the pro’s pro of the last years at least has to be Pablo Lastras.  A gentleman and one of the last real team riders.

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

The late eighties, just when I was discovering the sport, was unique for me.  Headbands, mullets, Fagor, white “ Time" shoes, Campag Delta brakes,  sunglasses with sweatbands, I loved it all!

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

I wouldn’t say he looks particularly cool. But he goes fast.

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

The whole hog. Preferabbly with a fairly liquid bottle to make a mud flap.  Extra long, so the first kms grind it out to exactly road level.  Wet bottoms are no good.

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

I’m so old that I used to stop at a cafe in the “pre whacking fabric” days.  Starting out after an hour by the radiator with cold damp clothes on was never fun.  But now I reckon I would stop.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Castelli.  The thinking man’s clothing choice.

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

I used to love my 28mm training tires, super for sand road excursions, but a bugger to get through tight frames and brakes.

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 A6 was grim in 1999, so I don’t think it would be much fun now.  But it has its merits, getting where you really want to be with minimum time wasted.  As far as dirt is concerned, I loved riding dirt roads, and it got me through a lot of training in my last years that I probably wouldn’t have managed otherwise.  Highly recommended.

What do you think about Strava?

We use Garmin Connect, which is a great way to collect your rides and share it with the whole community.  I can also check up on my riders, and see how long they have been stopped at the coffee shop. I

What do you think about Sportive rides?

They seem to be a great way for people new to the sport to challenge themselves over famous terrain and meet like minded people.  But I think they should be treated just how they were intended : as fun.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

I used to hate having to put shoes on in the morning that were still wet from previous days stage.  The cycling equivalent of putting wet jeans on.

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?

Traditional cycling clubs, even though they weren’t nessecarliy the hippest gangs, always made sure to teach everyone the basic etiquette of riding together. Pointing out potholes, saying hello to one another bla bla bla.  Who will teach that to people who come in to the sport but are never part of an old school cycling club? It would be a shame to loose that, its so nice when someone waves a polite hello.

Cotton cap or helmet?

Helmet.  The asphalt tends to be quite hard.

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 advantage is spinning a smaller gear is that even you may be creeping, there is always a chance that you are going to look fast to the casual observer.  That possibility is not open to those who choose big gears. 

White, black or coloured socks?

I used black socks on rainy days for the first time in 2011. The year in which my career ended.  Maybe its a coincidence.

Frame pump or mini pump?

I often used a frame pump, but put it in the rear triangle, sticking the rear wheel squewer in one end for extra security. I thought it was a great, offbeat look, with an eye for tradition.  Pump was always full of rain water, and invariably rusty, mind you.

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?

If you ride 35,000km per year you can usually cover most topics.

Maybe it's slightly taboo to talk about doping but, do you think Lance Armstrong has been unfairly treated?

Its doesn’t have to be a taboo to talk about doping.  I think it is good that Lance has finally admitted what he did, so that the years of constant speculation can end, and the sport can start to focus its energy on building a better future.  

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

I would ride stoker, with my Mrs. Perfect.

* Eddy Merckx said, if Axel (his son) had had a teammate like Charley then he would of won the stage. Axel was away on his own and Charley chased him down alone for the his team-leader, and eventual stage winner, Franco Pellizotti. A massive tip of the cotton cap from the big man himself!  Continue reading

In 1804, Joseph Marie Jacquard (1772-1834) recognized that although fabric weaving was intricate when done by hand, as most practices were back then, it was also repetitive. He saw that a mechanism could be developed to create more sophisticated styles and patterns of weave. Some say Jacquard's invention influenced computer science. 

 

No-one as really defined what part of the 'Jacquard' machine, Jacquard himself designed and there is a good chance that he combined the best mechanical elements of some other inventors of the time, but with that said, no-one created the machine that Jacquard made which could produce a fabric with a greater definition of outline. 

The machine Jacquard invented would have been a lot different to the machines that made our cotton Jacquard cloth. In 1983 electronic Jacquard looms were introduced in Italy that were infinitely more versatile and since then, many of the old hand-punched machines have been retired to museums and exhibitions. Originally the fabric designs would of  been kept on a series of punched cards which were jointed together to form a continued chain.  

The subtle details of the Jacquard fabrics that we used for our recent Pilsey shirt serve to compliment our now trademark buttons - smoked reverse trocas shell from Sheffield.

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After being born in Kent, Kristian moved to Austin Texas as a child. It was here with the Violet Crown cycling team that he discovered his love for cycling. His ambition soon brought him back to Europe to race though and he has never looked back since.

Kristian has taken wins at the Lincoln Grand Prix, the Tour de Bretange, the Tour of Japan, the Premier Calendar and overall victory at the Ras in Ireland. His biggest moment though came in 2009, when riding for Rapha-Condor, he beat off possibly the strongest field ever assembled to take out the National Road Race Championships in Abergavenny.

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

Thats a tough one, there's the Surrey 5 day where the GB 'B' team stuck it to the GB 'A' team and Tom Southam and I took all the jerseys. The Tour of South Africa where I won the first stage and I had an incredible team around me, that rode on the front for 8 days to help me defend it. When I look back at the way we did that, it really was something special. There's the national champs that will always be close to my heart as it's something I always wanted and dreamed about. But if I'm honest, the one I feel most proud of was my stage win in Japan. We went there with Lappers (Darren Lapthorne) for GC and myself to get in the breaks to assist him later on in stages, but on the uphill Mass start TT it all fell apart and GC hopes went out the window. I can remember sitting down with Lappers in the hotel room, both of us feeling down, and he turned to me and said "Fuck it, we're going to fucking win tomorrow. Both of us in the break and we are going to win!". We came up with a plan for the next stage, stuck to it, and both of is rode out of our skin... Either one of us could of won that day, didn't matter, but I ended up crossing the line first. The satisfaction we got from that day, I'll never forget.  

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

Local never really applies to me, I'm never sure where that is! One of my favourite UK roads is the road the turns off  Long Hill coming out of Buxton and drops down to the reseviour, then after the dam turns right up what I think is Goyt Valley. 

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

All in Austin Texas. Either Fitzhugh Road, Nameless Road or the second half of 1431 into Marble Falls. Oh and... So many to choose from, it's my favourite place to ride in the world. 

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

Winning the National Road Race. I remember that day every time I put on my jersey. 

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

Despite not starting out on the bike wanting to race I don't really think it has. Initially bikes were just a mode of transport, and when I was 14 I wanted to tour around the world on a bike. I knew nothing about racing till I was 16, but once I started I was hooked. My uncles and aunts do a yearly epic ride over a week, this year was Canterbury to Barcelona.... And even still I'd love to be able to join them... If they'd actually let me. 

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

Completely depends on the women. Haha.

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom in cycling in the UK atthe 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?

Absolutely. In my opinion it's basically down to what Bradley and Cav have done in the Tour de France, Olympics and Worlds and the fact they are such characters. Obviously because the sports become more popular, things are changing for the ‘domestic pros’  as people are not just paying more attention to the Tour de France, but to the racing they can come see on a weekly basis. So things like the Tour Series, Nocturnes, and because of that you build more of a profile in the UK. The only negative to all this is that there are more people on bikes out on the roads, which is actually a great thing, but the infrastructure isn’t there, as well as the education for both cyclist and drivers on how to interact. Hopefully that will change though. 

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

Honestly, I’ve no idea. I guess cause everyone believes its a quick fix to going faster. Plus everyone loves to have the newest and greatest and very often that's perceived as getting the lightest. 

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

I think there are times I do, where I feel like its going to ‘work’. But that's what I love about the winter… Less stress and you just go back to enjoying pedaling. 

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

I don’t know really… I don’t pay enough attention to it to pick one out. 

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

Same as above! I've never been a massive follower of sports in general… I just love doing them. 

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

Never really took much notice! 

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

I tend to go places where you don’t need any of them. 

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

Depends on what I’m doing… if I’m training properly then I just go straight round and get the job done. If I’m just out for a recovery ride or an easy one, then I don’t mind a cafe stop. 

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Silly question. Rapha of course. 

Do you prefer to get your head down on the 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?

Again it really depends on the training, but both really. And I’ve no problem going down dirt roads or cobbles on the bike. 

What do you think about Strava? 

I think it can be a great tool to use, at the same time people take it way to seriously. But hey, each to their own. 

What do you think about Sportive rides?

I think they are great. More of our Premier Calendars need to associate with them, in order to get better crowds at the races and it might help with councils and road closures by having more events that families can participate in. This will give the event more of an angle. 

Do you have any cycling pet hates? 

People not waving (saying 'Hi') when you pass each-other on the bike. Sometimes it's not possible i know, but in most situations I think it's good etiquette. 

Cotton cap or helmet? 

A little of both… But not a massive fan of the hat under the helmet. Obviously there are times it's called for I guess.

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?

Probably about 85-95. 

White, black or coloured socks?

I always race in white. Training it doesn’t matter.

Frame pump or mini pump? 

Frame 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?

Really depends on the person I’m riding with. Sometimes nothing at all. Tom Southam and I used to go out for 6 hours and say 10 words… Other days we’d get in to the meaning of it all. Really just depends. 

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

I don’t think I'd ever ride a tandem. Ha!

 

 

Images thanks to Rapha Condor JLT

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Born in Sheffield on bonfire night, 1974. Jamie Burgan first started ridding a bike after being taken to a city centre crit-race that Malc Elliott was in (as Jamie's dad taught him at school around the late 80s). He then started going on Rutland cc club runs on Sundays and the now 'famous'  Teacake run on a Saturday morning. He raced as a schoolboy and junior before joining the Royal Marines. After leaving Jamie quickly started racing again when back in civvy street and is now approaching this 10th season as a 1st category road racer riding for Langsett Cycles. 

As a racing cyclist, which results are you most proud of and why?
Probably 2^nd in the Yorkshire Champs,  a few years back now, one race that I think every local rider wants to win!

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

With living on the edge of the Peak District there are so many to choose from, I like the road upto Eyam from  Grindleford as I do it in my morning training rides in summer and you can see right out to Chatsworth. The roads back from the café at Elton were also great and Goyt Valley also.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

Majorca is the mecca and for good reason, it has great roads and a great selection.

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

Loads of memories but a simple one springs to mind of getting up early on our yearly holidays to France and heading out on my Peugeot racing bike to the nearby village boulangerie to pick up the daily  supply of French Sticks.

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

I don’t think so really, if you want to race you do and train as you see fit. I suppose it does feel a bit like an instrument of torture by the end of the season but I am always chomping at the bit again by January.

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

Nope!

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom in cycling in the UK atthe 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?

Overall it can only be a good thing, although it does make it a struggle to get into the café sometimes! Surely it's better they are out on there bikes rather than waiting for Witherspoons to open with a can of special brew in there hand!  Will it continue? I think more or less it will,certainly with the tour coming next year and then maybe drop off a bit I think.

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

Power to weight ratio, can't say I do though.

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

Yes I am more careful and a bit wary of newbies in the bunch!

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

I always love the Cancellara and Boonen dual in the classics, both great champions and always the ones making the race.

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

The 80s as I remember all the day glow colours watching The Tour on channel 4 and being transfixed as they went through the Alps. Nowadays it is good too as we have never had so much talent.

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

Mudguards with flap is the usual for me.

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

Café stop at the weekends.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

I suppose Assos although I don’t have as much as I used to, the air-block winter top is a classic in my eyes.

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?

B-roads with the occasional back-wacks I would say.

What do you think about Strava?

I have tried it, it’s a bit of fun isn’t it???

What do you think about Sportive rides?

Not done one yet but I am sure I will when I am 50 odd!

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

Just the usual half wheeling and pot holes!

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?

The old fashioned club run which taught youngsters how to ride safely and courteously which has all but vanished for a lot of clubs as everyone wants to be in a racing club and race,you can spot them a mile off in a bunch as they zig zag around!

Cotton cap or helmet?

Love the cotton cap but am afraid in England I generally wear a helmet these days as I feel it’s a bit dodgier than it used to be out there on the roads.

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?

Jan Ullrich style all the way.

White, black or coloured socks?

Same colour as the shoes.

Frame pump or mini pump?

Frame pump on winter bike and mini pump in back pocket in summer.

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?

I prefer talking utter codswallop and just generally chewing the fat,nothing to in-depth.

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

Jan Ullrich,I had better steer as he did used to come off a fair bit!

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Another back-wack that demands the most from you. New Road is a great alternative route back to Sheffield.

If you're unfamiliar with this road, it's the first left turn after Yorkshire Bridge, the small road with trees over-hanging as far as you can see up. It's a quiet one and the chance of traffic is slim, but it's far more demanding than the steady gradient of Manchester Road and ten times more scenic. If you miss this road, you're missing a trick. 

I've been dropped on New Road plenty of times but that said, I've also done my fair share of dropping others. It's one of those climbs where you can really tell how well your going and if you're on your own after the trees disappear, then I'd say your not going bad! 

Here the scene opens-up and you can look down into the valley and see how far you've climbed, it's a nice reward as the views to your right are close to amazing. You can see as far as Mam Tor and you've got Win Hill behind you. Looking down the slopping valley there's Bamford and Hathersage in the distance. But it doesn't stop there - a sharp up that swings left and you find yourself a on quick-small decent. Time for a little 'breather' before the road then swings right into another grueling short-sharp gradient. 

If you can make it over this in the big-ring your a harder man than me, but if you can get on- top of 42.21 then your mates will probably think your charging! If that is the case, I suspect you'll have a sweat-on for the decent onto Stangage Edge. Then you'll be greeted by another spectacular view of the famous ridge and glad you rode over New Road. 

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New Road is 1.6 miles and the average gradient is 5.1% but don't let that deceive you, the first part is around 8% for a mile and the final kick to the top must be close to 11%.

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