Feature – Simon Beldon Q & A

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The next question and answer feature is with a familiar name in time trialing, Simon Beldon

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Feature – Simon Beldon Q & A

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1. When will you start your road season and what will be the first race?
Simon: I was hoping to start at the end of February but I`m now going out to Calpe for a weeks training. I will probably start with a Team Time Trial in early March with my new SSLL team and mix TT`s and road races in the early part of the year.

2. What races will be your targets for 2016 and why?
Simon: The team have targeted all the National championships from 10 miles to 100 miles on an individual basis and for the team wins. On a personal note, I am hoping for a good start to gain selection for the European Police championships in Belgium. This is a TT and road race on the Tour of Flanders roads and includes some high level riders, some of which are riding full time. I’m also looking to do well in the National and World Masters individual pursuit on the track.

3. How will you spend the time on the bike between now and your first race in training?
Simon: I`m currently coached by Matt Bottrill and he has a real understanding of what works for me. The last couple of months have been sweet spot and tempo work, but now he seems to be upping the ante with some top end work. Matt is working on my weaknesses including my real high end power and an imbalance I have between my right and left leg.

4. What was your favourite Xmas present?
Simon: My favourite Christmas present was getting some time off from work! The team also got some nice presents from Blake Pond at Nopinz with delivery of our new kit.

5. When it rains, which it’s doing a lot right now, is it turbo time or wrap up and get wet?
Simon: Living in Yorkshire, I spend my life training in the rain! It’s very rare that I don’t venture out of the door regardless of weather conditions and I tolerate it by wearing good kit. My team kit is superb quality and I also invested last year in a Gabba that works really well together. Layer up and don’t stop in the cafe`s and you hardly notice the rain once you are out doing your efforts…The turbo is used for very specific efforts that Matt sends to me.

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6. If you could do any race in the world including the best ones in the world etc, what would it be and why?
Simon: I had the privilege last year of going with some mates to ride the Paris-Roubaix Sportive and then stayed on to watch the race. Watching this event on television really does not give you a perspective of just how hard a race it is and the whole history makes it the greatest event in the world for me. Luckily after going through the Arenburg, I managed to get onto the wheels of two fast French guys. After 20 miles through and off and making brilliant progress, I suddenly came to a section of pave….the Arenburg. These guys were just out training! I nearly cried …

7. What piece of food can you not do without where ever you are on the road during the season!
Simon: I absolutely love the Whey protein drink in Chocolate from our sponsors at OTE after a hard training session or race, but on the road, it’s mainly gels

8. What is your favourite music track when warming up for a race or on the turbo?
Simon: Being old (steady on Simon!) I have followed AC/DC for years. A good playlist with Thunderstruck or Shoot to Thrill on really fires me up.

9. If given the option, would you prefer normal brakes or disc brakes on your road bike?
Simon: I’m hopeless at mechanics and have broken every single part of my bike at some stage so normal brakes as it’s my only hope of being able to fix them if they go wrong!

10. What’s the spec of your race bike for 2016 and your favourite bits on it?
Simon: Cyclesense at Tadcaster are very kindly providing the whole team with the new Giant Trinity TT bike for next season. I am still awaiting delivery but I am looking at putting Di2 on it with my Zipp disc and 808 front wheel. On the road, I ride a Specialized Tarmac SWorks with Di2 and FFWD wheels.

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