Feature – Joe Higginson Q & A

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Feature Q & A with Catford CC Equipe/Banks Australian rider Joe Higginson

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Feature – Joe Higginson Q & A

British by birth, Joe went to Australia with his family some years ago. After watching racing at the Velodrome in Adelaide aged 12, he was hooked after a couple of sessions on the track. State championship medals followed by a pro contract with Scuddy Downunder team. His proudest achievement so far is 6th in the 2014 South Australian road champs. Welcome to wet and windy Britain Joe!

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1. When will you start your road season and what will be the first race?
Joe: I haven’t got the specific details of my race program at this point, but I’ll be looking to start my season with some smaller local races in early February, with my first bigger race being the Clayton 50th Spring Classic towards the end of the month and the Eddie Soens race in early March.

I’ll then be looking to continually improve my racing form and hopefully secure some good results in the first national races of the year with the team.

2. What races will be your targets for 2016 and why?
Joe: With 2016 being my first full season on the UK scene, I’m looking at generally gaining as much racing experience as possible in an array of races, and really trying to get to grips with the style of racing.

Talking more specifically, I’d love to get some top results in a lot of the national B races and also see if I can possibly put in some strong performances in some of the Spring Cup and Grand Prix series races.

3. How will you spend the time on the bike between now and your first race in training?
Joe: I’d say a good mixture of both. Whilst it’s necessary to spend a good amount of time putting in some long miles, it’s also key to start mixing in a good amount of intervals and steadily increasing the intensity in the lead up to the first races of the season. I’m heading to Spain in the middle of January with a few Catford teammates. My younger brother and I are both coached by Tim Kennaugh at Tim Kennaugh Coaching and JLT Condor, so the time spent over there will be a really good opportunity to put in some good quality work in preparation for racing, under Tim’s guidance.

4. What was your favorite Xmas present?
Joe: It may sound a bit lame, but my parents arriving here at Manchester airport at 10.00am on Christmas morning was the perfect present! With our family living in Adelaide, South Australia for the past 8 years, I hadn’t seen them since my brother and I left in early July, and so it made for a great Christmas.

5. When it rains, which it’s doing a lot right now, is it turbo time or wrap up and get wet?
Joe: I think getting out on the road as much as possible is the best option. I usually don’t mind heading out for a ride in the rain too much. If you’re dressed well and have the right equipment, it may not be pleasant but it’s possible to get in some good training. Having said that, a full UK winter is something I haven’t experienced before, and so on the really horrid days, it makes sense to stay warm, stay dry and get in a high quality, concise training ride indoors, which I’ve found myself doing a few times this winter.

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6. If you could do any race in the world including World Tour etc, what would it be and why?
Joe: It would have to be the Tour de France, the race that I grew up watching as a youngster. It’s the biggest and most popular bike race in the world, not to mention one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Other personal favorites would have to be Liege Bastogne Liege, Tour of Flanders and the world championships.

7. Who’s your favourite rider in the pro peloton
Joe: That’s a tough one! I’m such a fan of the sport it’s hard to name just one. At the moment I’ll say Peter Sagan, but this could change!

8. What is your favorite music track when warming up for a race or on the turbo?
Joe: I don’t have one track specifically when warming up for a race. In general, some good dance music always hits the spot and failing that maybe some old school rock.

9. If given the option, normal brakes or discs?
Joe: I’ll stick with normal brakes at this point as I haven’t used disc brakes before. It’s a topic that seems to be causing a lot of controversy recently and so I’d love to test out a bike with some disc brakes and form a fuller opinion.

10. What’s the spec of your race bike for 2016 and your favourite bits on it?
Joe: Catford cc Equipe Banks are racing on Condor bikes for 2016. I’ll be racing their Leggero model with Campagnolo record and Campagnolo Bora race wheels. Condor are a very well-known and hugely respected brand and so I’m really looking forward to training and racing on their equipment for this year.

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