Feature – Joe Clark Q & A

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Joe Clark of Envelopemaster Giant Sheffield takes the VeloUK question and answer challenge

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Feature – Joe Clark Q & A

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1. When will you start your road season and what will be the first race?
Joe: My race season starts in march and the first race will be the Severn Bridge RR

2. What races will be your targets for 2016 and why?
Joe: Of the main British races, I would like to do well in the Ryedale GP and Beaumont Trophy as they both have parcours that suit my riding. Then I have my eyes set on a few national B races that are similar.

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?
Joe: Lots of long rides with some moderate efforts. Then a block of high intensity before March.

4. What was your favourite Xmas present?
Joe: Some merino wool tops. I like to be comfy after rides.

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5. When it rains, which its doing a lot right now, is it turbo time or wrap up and get wet?
Joe: Go out and get a bit wet. Ride at a constant pace to keep body temp consistent. Tights over overshoes to stop water running into shoes. Wear glove liners and take a spare pair so when they get soaked, you can change them. Duct tape over any venting on your shoes inside and outside.

6. If you could do any race in the world including the best ones in the world etc, what would it be and why?
Joe: I’d love to race in the Vuelta one day, it’s probably the race I’ve enjoyed watching the most and certain days and performances that have come from it have motivated me quite a bit on occasions.

 

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7. What piece of food can you not do without where ever you are on the road during the season!
Joe: Sometimes if I’m tired near the end of a training session I’ll go into a shop and buy some sweets. That usually gets me home in no time. But in a race a can of coke can change everything.

8. What is your favourite music track when warming up for a race or on the turbo?
Joe: I don’t listen to anything as I find it a distraction and I like to think clear before a race!

9. If given the option, would you prefer normal brakes or disc brakes on your road bike?
Joe: In winter, disc brakes as I go through brake blocks and rims quickly riding down all the steep lanes where I live. For races I don’t think need discs, someone once said to me “on a bike you avoid obstacles not try and stop for 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!)
Joe: I think it is pretty much the best bike possible to have. Giants top TCR frame and finishing kit. Durace DI2, carbon wheels. Favourite part has to be the frame they are really responsive and agile. Great fun to ride.

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