Feature – Jessie Walker Q & A

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Part of the successful GB team at the road worlds in 2015, Jessie Walker (UCI Servetto-Footon) takes part in the VeloUK question and answer

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Feature – Jessie Walker Q & A

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1. When will you start your road season and what will be the first race?
Jessie: I have my team launch on the 20th February where I’ll meet the riders for the first time and discuss the race calendar. But there are a few local races here in Girona that I’m considering doing just to mix up the training.

2. What races will be your targets for 2016 and why?
Jessie: I’ve learnt from previous years that I come into form and perform my best in the middle to the end of the season so I’d like to focus on some races then. This year in the team we have some strong contenders for the Giro, with the likes of Nicole Brandli who has won the stage race three times before so I’m hoping to make the team for the Giro to help her.

3. How will you spend the time on the bike between now and your first race in training? Long miles or cutting back to do top end efforts?
Jessie: I’m doing a mixture of both. I have a few long endurance rides but also shorter days with efforts. This is my first full winter I’ve spent abroad so I’m really feeling the benefits of being away from England’s rubbish weather!

4. What was your favourite Xmas present?
Jessie: My favourite Christmas present this year would have to be my GoPro from my parents. I figured the amount of time I travel and see new places I need to keep track of it with videos and photos. I’ve been testing it out here in Girona and the footage looks amazing!

5. When it rains, which its doing a lot right now, is it turbo time or wrap up and get wet?
Jessie: Well I’m currently in Girona, Spain and I haven’t had a drop of rain yet (touch wood) so I haven’t had that problem. However in the past I’ve tended to do a double day when it’s raining. A few hours on the road then an hour or so on the turbo with efforts.

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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?
Jessie: It would have to be the Giro Rosa and I completed that last year so it’s a dream come true. The Giro Rosa is the only Grand Tour for women and it’s just got a whole different status compared to the other races. It was the hardest 10 days of my life but I learnt so much and was pleased with my performance. It’s definitely a marker in my cycling career that I’ll always remember.

7. What piece of food can you not do without where ever you are on the road during the season!
Jessie: Nutella!!

8. What is your favourite music track when warming up for a race or on the turbo?
Jessie: It would have to be Enimem. Any track of his gets me pumped. My favourites are Lose Yourself, No Love and I’m Not Afraid!!

9. If given the option, would you prefer normal brakes or disc brakes on your road bike?
Jessie: I’ve never tried disc brakes so I can’t make a valid comparison. Personally, I like my normal brakes so why change them?

10. What’s the spec of your race bike for 2016 and your favourite bits on it? (include a pic or two if you have them!)
Jessie: For 2016 we will be riding a Footon frame with Shimano Dura-ace, Ambrosio wheels and a Selle SMP saddle. The Footon frame is a new Italian brand for 2016. I really like the white and gold aspect to the team edition frames.

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