How did you get into cycling ?
Another clichéd lockdown cyclist! It started just as a way of getting some exercise outdoors (I don’t like running!!). Me and a mate Stu (now also a Waldy) started doing some very steady and slow Walton loops and laps of Richmond Park. Over a few months, we’d ended up with a few more local Dad’s joining us and had a WhatsApp group of cycling Dad’s that were heading out a few times a week.
Since then I’ve massively enjoyed the health benefits it’s brought to me and the new friends I’ve found along the way. I’ve had a coach for a few seasons and that’s really helped me do some cool events like Maratona, L’Etapé du Tour (hope I’ve spelt that correctly Fred!), Struggle Moors and Dales, Hell of the Ashdown and many more! I joined Waldy a couple of years ago when Steve put Fred and I in touch. I used to work with Steve and he knew I was trying a few local crit races and mentioned that Waldy was starting a race team - I was well up for being part of a team, I love that. Since then I’ve done many races in pink, proudly representing the Waldy Wheelers and look forward to many more!
What’s your favourite place to cycle ?
The Dolomites in Italy, it is just stunning! I’ve done the Maratona twice and am planning on going back to do it again in 2026. I really like that fact it is the same loop each year, starting and finishing in the same place. You can also see if you’re getting faster (or not) that way as well…
Have you got any cycling goals this year ?
I somehow managed to sneak my way into Cat 2 last season so a big goal this year is to retain that. I’m also going to focus on masters crit racing and have set myself a goal of finishing in the top 5 of a series. On top of those, I want to keep up my yoga practice, it’s been really helping from a flexibility/mobility perspective and keep up the weekly gym visits, the S&C again really helps the core strength and leg strength needed for those final sprints!!
What’s your go to ride with the Waldy Wheelers ?
I struggle making the Sunday rides in rugby season as I coach the kids down at London Irish. Therefore, my go to is probably the midweek RT rides in the warmer, lighter months - they can’t arrive soon enough right now…even if they do mean suffering on Tom D’s wheel!!
What would you say to someone thinking of joining the Waldy Wheelers ?
Do it!!! An amazingly friendly group of people brought together by cycling. The RT have been especially brilliant with Fred and Tom building a really great feeling of teamship.
What do you do when you’re not cycling ?
I’ve got a young family so spend most of my time being Dad’s taxi service. Also a big sports fan, so any opportunity to watch live sport I’m in. I’m also obsessed with making my own sourdough right now 🤷♂️
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