Feature Q & A with Owen James

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Next up in the VeloUK Q & A rider chat series is Owen James of the  Catford CC Equipe/Banks racing team

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Feature Q & A with Owen James

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1. When will you start your road season and what will be the first race?
Owen: I will start my road season with the Severn Bridge road race and try my best to get a result there to provide some morale for the next race which will be the Betty Pharoah. Being Welsh means thats always a big one!

2. What races will be your targets for 2016 and why?
Owen: I will be looking to do well in Premier Calendar events as doing well in those gets your name out there with the big teams. Also the British Road champs is a big target too.

3. How will you spend the time on the bike between now and your first race in training?
Owen: I’ll spend my time on the bike balancing it around work and getting my big miles done on the weekend. Tends to be harder interval sessions on the rollers or turbo during the week. Or unless I can get out of work early and get a road ride done. After the collapse of Dynamo Cover pro cycling, there’s no more full time riding so I’m extremely grateful to Mike from the Catford team for taking me on at such short notice and so close to the 2016 season.

4. What was your favourite Xmas present?
Owen: Favourite xmas present had to be the random one from my dad who bought me a crossbow.

5. When it rains, which its doing a lot right now, is it turbo time or wrap up and get wet?
Owen: If I can delay it a day until the weather improves and get out on the bike, I will. If it doesn’t clear up, well then its just got to get done, So I tend to wrap up and get out there. Best tip would be don’t ride close in the wheels and stick to the main roads which tend to have less standing water on them. Also invest in some decent waterproofs.

6. If you could do any race in the world including World Tour etc, what would it be and why?
Owen: It would have to be the Tour de France – I mean every kid dreams about riding that one day.

7. Who’s your favourite rider in the pro peloton?
Owen: Favourite rider would have to be Sagan, that guys got some class.

8. What is your favourite music track when warming up for a race or on the turbo?
Owen: Don’t really have a favourite so any house music with a big drop in it will do.

9. If given the option, normal brakes or discs?
Owen: Normal brakes I’d say. To me disc brakes are for mountain biking and off-road. Although I would love to give disc brakes a try on the road.

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10. What’s the spec of your race bike for 2016 and your favourite bits on it?
Owen: Got to be some of the best bikes I’ve had. Race bike is a Condor Leggero with Campagnolo record Groupset. Deda stem and a fizik saddle. Favorite bit has to be the Campag Bora wheels!

I was also lucky enough to be given a TT bike which I’m really looking forward to riding. Its a Condor Leggero TT, It has Campagnolo Record throughout and a Miche supertype wheelset. Being kitted out in Jeff Banks clothing and the new Specsavers glasses is pretty cool also.

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