More rider chat, this time with a youngster in British UCI women’s team, Drops Cycling – Ellie Dickinson takes the VeloUK Q & A
Feature – Ellie Dickinson Q&A
1. When will you start your road season and what will be the first road race?
Ellie: The Zwevezele Ladies Classic in Belgium on the 19th March.
2. What races will be your target for 2016 and why?
Ellie: This year is going to be a really exciting year for me with Drops with such an exciting race programme. On the track, it’s my aim to be selected for the European championship again and for the road, it’s my aim to really get stuck into the international races as well as the UK races.
3. How will you spend your time between now and your first race in training?
Ellie: Quite a bit of my winter up until now has been on the track with ODP (GB’s Olympic Development Programme for juniors). The weather at home has made it hard to get as many miles in as I had liked, however I’ve been really lucky to escape the rain and snow of Cumbria to go out training in Girona for the past week. Getting in some longer miles with good company, I fly out to Majorca with Drops at the end of Feb for some training with the team before kicking off the season in March.
4. What was your favourite X-mas present?
Ellie: My sister, who has been living out in Australia for two years, flew home to surprise us for Christmas so that has the be the best present! Apart from that, I got the loveliest fluffiest softest Christmas dressing gown.
5. When it rains, is it turbo or wrap up and get out?
Ellie: For me, I have to say it’s Turbo. I actually enjoy a turbo session! Where I live, I ride mostly on my own and Cumbria is known for its grim weather, flooding and we’ve even had three inches of snow. I guess it depends how bad it is. If it’s just a bit of rain, then yeah I’d be out in it wrapped up warm! But I think I can get so much more out of my training by getting in 1 or 2 turbo sessions instead of getting wet and cold usually leading to making yourself poorly.
6. If you could do any race in the world which one would it be ? And why?
Ellie: Races such as Tour of Flanders and the Sparkassen Giro I would really love to race. After watching them and reading about them, I would love to experience the whole atmosphere and the different challenges of them. Obviously, it would be a massive dream to ride at an Olympics. I don’t know what it is I am best at yet or which races would suite me the most… but you can always dream!!
7. What piece of food can you not go without where ever you are on the road during the season?
Ellie: Oh man! Everything! I love all food, and coffee. I’ve just became a lover of coffee. Food wise, there isn’t just one thing I always go for, although I am a massive lover of chocolate oranges … Cheesecake is my favourite dessert and spaghetti is my favourite meal! Oh and cheese! I have cheese on everything. I love fresh fruit smoothies and I always fancy one whilst riding. Without a doubt, Cafe Bon Bon is my favourite coffee.
8. What is your favourite music track when warming up for a race on the turbo?
Ellie: Tough question!! It’s varies a lot… I usually just listen to the songs on the charts, just as long as its up beat, something to get me going!! My music has to be as loud as I can get it when I have headphones on using the turbo. I don’t like to hear what’s going on around me when I’m warming up haha!
9. If given the option, would you prefer normal brakes or disc breaks on your road bike?
Ellie: I’ve never raced disc brakes, only ever ridden normal brake on my road bike, but from what I have read and been told, I think I would always stick to normal brakes. I wouldn’t fancy having a run in with someone else’s disc brake in a crash….
10. What’s the spec of your 2016 race bike and your favourite bits on it?
Ellie: I completely LOVE my Drops team bike. We are riding the Trek Emonda in our amazing minty fresh colour to match our Bontrager helmets! We will for sure stand out in the peloton! I can not wait to get racing!
11. Finally, what is the best thing you like about your new kit from Santini/Prendas and which item is your favourite?
Ellie: That’s a tough question! I love our kit, everything about it is perfect. I love the design and the bright colours it’s different to every other kit. It’s really hard to choose my favourite item. I really like the jerseys, for me they fit perfectly and they don’t rise up which I find with most jerseys and shorts. I couldn’t fault any of the kit we have been given. It’s awesome.
#ColourTheRoad :-D
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