Mountain Biking & Road Cycling
The cycling obsession began after a family holiday in a Portugese villa when my parents vowed never to go on another holiday where they struggled to cope with bored kids who had too much energy and too little gratitude for sun, swimming pools and self-catering. And so the following year, with me aged 12 and on an ageing Raleigh Bomber, the momentous regime of annual cycling holidays began!
After a few years' break, my own cycling passion underwent a revival at University when I found my rowing fitness and my competitive spirit helped me to many a cyclo-cross and MTB race victory. In ensuing years I frequented the Peak District and sometimes the Yorkshire Dales, and joined with other similarly-obsessed family members (you can't get much more obsessed than my brother Sven) for trips across Britain and along the length (and height) of the Pyrenees.
Mountain biking remains one of my favourite sports, not least because of my trusty steed - The Trek 9.8 Elite - which is the most amazing and well-fitting bike I have ever owned and - even better - cost me not a sausage as it was received in payment for website work whilst in the US.
Central London not being renowned for its muddy trails though, I have resorted to time on my road bike, from time-trialling and communting (in bygone times) to cyclo-sportives, turbo-training in the loft, and frequent training sessions in Richmond Park or the Surrey Hills. In 2009 I am aiming to focus all my efforts on road-racing as brief introductory sessions at Hillingdon have been my all-time favourite sessions. Plus I'm no good at triathlon as I don't like the swim or run legs!
