Feature: Tamiko Butler Q & A

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Tamiko Butler who’s team Drops Cycling has its launch today in London takes the VeloUK Q & A challenge

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Feature: Tamiko Butler Q & A

1. When will you start your road season and what will be the first race?
Tamiko: My road season actually started already with the 2.1 Tour de San Luis in Argentina where I guest rode for a local team. It was the earliest that I have ever started my season and definitely a shock to my legs in the first week in January.

2. What races will be your targets for 2016 and why?
Tamiko: Though I’m racing with DROPS in Europe mostly, my target races in the first part of the season will actually be in Venezuela for a series of 1.2 races followed by the Panamerican Championships. These races will provide me with the best opportunity to gain a spot at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

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?
Tamiko: As I was able to bring my legs up to speed in Argentina in January, I am spending most of my time focusing on extra miles which I will not be able to get in once I start my race calendar with Drops in March.

4. What was your favourite Xmas present?
Tamiko: Haha, my favorite Xmas present was a teddy bear from my daughter. She gave it to me and said I have to take him to every country with me to keep me company so I don’t miss her too much and get too sad.

5. When it rains, which its doing a lot right now, is it turbo time or wrap up and get wet?
Tamiko: As I’m from the Caribbean, when it rains here there’s no need to wrap up because it’s still so warm. However in Europe I definitely need to wrap up and my rain coat and shoe covers are a must to keep my toes and core warm. Oh, so my answer is, I hate the turbo, any excuse to get on the road and I’m there.

 

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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?
Tamiko: Well of course I would have to say the Olympic Road Race. I mean who wouldn’t? To placed among the best of the best in an atmosphere so inspiring and life changing would be my absolute dream come true.

7. What piece of food can you not do without where ever you are on the road during the season!
Tamiko: Good bread! I can live off of bread and butter and it’s my comfort plain food when my body is under stress from hard racing. I must say that France is one of my favorite places to race because the bread is just so good.

8. What is your favourite music track when warming up for a race or on the turbo?
Tamiko: Soca Music always puts me in a good mood and gets me full of energy. It’s the music of our carnivals in the Caribbean and makes me feel at home anywhere in the world. “Possessed” by Machel Montano is definitely a favorite.

9. If given the option, would you prefer normal brakes or disc brakes on your road bike?
Tamiko: I have actually never ridden with disc brakes on a road bike so it’s hard for me to say. I do have difficulty with descending though and a more reliable brake system would help me with this I believe.

10. What’s the spec of your race bike for 2016 and your favourite bits on it?
Tamiko: I am yet to see my race bike for 2016 but from pictures I’ve seen, I absolutely love the paint job!

11. Finally, what is the best thing you like about your new kit from Santini/Prendas and which item is your favourite.
Tamiko: Again I haven’t yet seen my kit in person but look forward to ripping off tags like it’s Christmas and trying on every piece of the kit!

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