Xmas Feature – Ryan Perry

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Question and Answer Xmas feature with the champion of the blue ribbon 25 championship, Ryan Perry

RST Cycle Clothing & Trigon Bikes

Xmas Feature – Ryan Perry

Ryan races for SportGrub Kuota (Road) and Langdale Lighweights (TTs)

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1. With your team all sorted for 2016, what races are you looking forward to most next season – a mix of road and time trial or more time trials?

Ryan: A mix of road and Time trials for sure. I really enjoyed the National Champs, both road and TT, so I’ll look forward to them. I want to ride Rutland (CiCLE Classic) too (as I never have) and as many of the Elite road series as poss. I need to pay some proper attention to the TT bike though as it’s where my talents lie. My main training focus this year was for the road. I might well look at riding more RTTC Champs like the 50 and 100. Why not!? Chris at Sportgrub is looking at some stage racing abroad too which will be amazing if he can pull it off.

2. What were your highlights in 2015?
Ryan: The Chorley GP was a good day. It was my first ever Prem, I had great legs and managed to bridge across to the break solo. That day gave me the confidence I needed for the rest of the season. Of course, the podium at the National TT Champs felt great, as did winning the RTTC National 25.

The Stockbridge Down RR was another good one. I was in a break with George Harper from the gun; it was one of those rare days when you just feel invincible. To be honest, I just love racing full stop, being in the mix and suffering! I enjoyed all the racing I did!

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3. What race was the most fun in 2015 and why?
Ryan: Tough question. I really enjoyed the National Road Race. There is such a buzz about it, everybody is up for it! The crowds on Michaelgate were ace, they made the cobbles and lactic slightly more bearable.

4. What’s the best piece of cycling related advice you’ve ever been given and who gave it to you?
Ryan: “Stop being soft” – Mike Cripps, a hard and very ugly Welsh bike rider, soldier and good friend. Mike is old school and pretty tough. Shit on a bike but great in a fist fight. When you’re half way through a hard winter ride, when you feet are numb and you want too climb into a hot bath…..I think of Mike watching me, and have to press on.

5. Tell us about your winter training bike, what is different about it compared to your race bike?
Ryan: I actually have a tidy carbon set-up, full mud-guards on though. It has some pretty wide Conti tyres on for comfort, puncture protection and traction. Mechanical gears instead of electronic. I’ve set the bars a bit shorter and higher too. I’ve also just put a seatpost mounted rack on, with a 7L rack top bag….. I get some stick off the boys for it but I’m the one laughing at the Cafe when I pull out my spare gloves and base layer!

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6. How will you spend December on the bike – at home or abroad, long miles only or a mixture of intervals and miles and bike only or gym/cross training too?
Ryan: December will be mostly spent in the rain of the North West. Although I am treating myself to 10 days in Calpe with Harry Tanfield, Hamish Graham and Ryan Davis. Mostly steady riding with the odd bit of tempo and strength work. Nothing crazy, just keeping the weight off and enjoying riding the bike.

7. A cheeky Xmas one – if you could have any cycling related xmas present – what would it be!
Ryan: Depends who’s buyin! If Bill Gates I’d take a Pinarello F8…if it’s my Mrs I’d probably plump for some chammy cream!

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