Feature: Tom Chandler Q & A

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Winner of the Bath RC Junior National Series road race in 2015, Tom Chandler of the VCUK PH-MAS Cycling Team takes the VeloUK Q & A

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Feature: Tom Chandler Q & A

Tom Chandler

Tom (left of picture), one the country’s top Juniors.

1. When will you start your road season and what will be the first race?
Tom: Perfs Pedal Road Race on 14th February. Its an E/1/2/3 event and looking at previous results, I think it attracts some quality riders including domestic pro’s so will be fun to get stuck in and see where I’m at before the first junior national which takes place just over a month later.

2. What races will be your targets for 2016 and why?
Tom: For 2016, I aim to do all the national series (Peter Buckley series) whilst also competing and learning abroad in places like Belgium and France. The aim is to back up National series results with abroad racing experience and hopefully some results there too. This applies for both road and track. For me that seems the best way to set yourself up for a career in the sport as a senior.

3. How will you spend the time on the bike between now and your first race in training?
Tom: By now, the long miles should already be done and for me its now a time to get more intense efforts in. But that doesn’t mean ignoring the long rides completely. I’ll probably be doing long 4-5 hour rides at least once a week while getting the hard work done on the turbo during the week. I’ll be competing regularly at track league events in the week and the odd event at the weekend too. As I’m still at school studying my A2’s, a lot of what I do in the week will be on the turbo.

4. What was your favourite Xmas present?
Tom: I got a really cool original newspaper cover from the 1947 tour which was the first one since WWII.

5. When it rains, which its doing a lot right now, is it turbo time or wrap up and get wet
Tom: It depends on the type of ride I have to do that day. If it’s a long ride, theres no way thats getting done on the turbo. Too boring. But if its a short 1-1.5hr ride with efforts, it’s probably best done on a turbo.

In terms of the best way to deal with wet weather, wrap up. If you’re going out without enough kit you’ll be doing yourself more harm than good. If you’ve got to do a long ride, and the weathers bad, ride through it. Don’t stop at a cafe, there’s nothing worse than having to put wet kit back on and head into the cold where you’ll get chilled. You’re best off riding straight home and warming up.

 

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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?
Tom: All the ‘Monuments’ are really special. Races like Roubaix and Flanders seem to have so much drama and the passion you see from the fans on the side of the road is incredible. There’s also the Tour (de France). I think lots of juniors dream of being able to race in that. Simply because it’s the biggest bike race in the world!

7. What piece of food can you not do without where ever you are on the road during the season!
Tom: I use a lot of OTE products and they do quality flapjacks.

8. What is your favourite music track when warming up for a race or on the turbo?
Tom: I have a playlist but haven’t spent enough time on it to get enough music on there. At the minute there’s some AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Nirvana and Rage Against the Machine.

9. If given the option, would you prefer normal brakes or disc brakes on your road bike?
Tom: Disc brakes just don’t look right on road bikes. I think it makes the bike look ugly. I was a bit disappointed when I heard they’re being allowed for Pros next year. Not that it will affect me at all, I just don’t really want to see it. Plus I don’t see what the problem’ there are with normal brakes, they stop the bike don’t they? So why change it?

10. What’s the spec of your race bike for 2016 and your favourite bits on it?
Tom: VCUK PH-MAS have been great and are looking after us really well. We’re getting frames from them, called Shark. It’s a new brand from Velo Champion so will be exciting to try them out. We’re also getting wheels from them. And in terms of clothing I don’t think there’s anything they don’t give us! Clothing, shoes, glasses and helmets, its all covered!

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