Q&A: Richard Handley (Madison Genesis 2017)

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A rider who’s won some of the country’s top Prems is returning from a season of Pro Conti racing to race for Madison Genesis – Richard Handley

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Q&A: Richard Handley (Madison Genesis 2017)

A rider who’s won some of the country’s top Prems is returning from a season of Pro Conti racing to race for Madison Genesis – Richard Handley

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We quiz Richard about his 2016 and goals for 2017…

1. What was the highlight of 2016 for you and why?
Richard: It would have to be the first road stage of the Sibiu Tour in Romania. We waited quite late before commiting to anything, and had a full team leadout going for Steele who took the stage and the overall lead too. Not sure why that time in particular but it was nice because we always felt in control and it doesnt happen too often that!

2. What was your favourite/most fun race of 2016
Richard: The most fun race was Tour of Korea. We did ok there too but it’s a really relaxed race and you can enjoy it when there’s no stress.

3. What was the toughest race of 2016 for you and why?
Richard: It was Tour des Fjords. Not sure why, maybe the cold and maybe just bad legs but that wasn’t pleasant at times!

4. If there was one thing you learned most about racing for a pro conti team in European races, what was that?
Richard: To be honest the way the races pan out quite often go the way you and the team expect. The most important thing applies to any race really and its communicating as much as possible. You can tweak things as necessary then. This was made a bit easier with having the radios more often this year I guess.

5. Are you pleased to be back doing races you know with riders you know and I expect a lot of banter with your former teammates in the men in black?
Richard: Yeah! I love the UK scene, everyones pretty good mates, across teams too so its good to race with friends I’ve not seen too much this year. I’m sure John Herety will continue to rip my lego head and accent ha ha!

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6. Will you stay in the UK to prepare for next season during the winter or get in a training camp or two abroad to get in some serious miles?
Richard: I plan to stay put and brave it as I need precious time to acclimatise for Tour of the Res! Jokes aside, I’ll stay unless it gets really bad. The team usually do a few camps February time so that should work well to add the last few pieces to the winter training.

7. When will you start training for 2017 and what comes first – long steady miles or a mix of miles and efforts?
Richard: It started about a fortnight ago, just short and steady initially. I was shown a new approach two years ago from Bob Tobin, my coach, so it’ll be shorter harder but still aerobic rides making up most the winter

8. Do you use a special winter bike with mudguards etc or using a normal race like training bike?
Richard: For the first time ever I’m on a proper winter bike! I’ve just got a Genesis Equilibrium 30, Reynolds steel, tubing mechanical groupset, hydraulic discs and full guards. What more could you ask for in a winter bike!

9. What are the goals for 2017?
Richard: I’d like to hit the ground running with a bit of luck. I think consistency is important especially with the uncertainty about how the Tour of Britain teams will be chosen. Then I’m going to aim for Tour of Yorkshire and Tour of Britain as targets and fingers crossed, I’ll have the legs to get picked and then maybe do something.

10. What have you learnt over the years to best deal with having to do hours on the bike in winter (winter tips!)
Richard: I think you need to be quite flexible. It’s easier when you’re not working a 40 hour week on the side but I try to fit my training around the weather as much as possible. No point taking a rest day in glorious sun after five hours in 2 degrees and rain the day before! I’ve also figured out I can just about put up with the turbo with Netflix going!

Thanks Richard and all the best for 2017!

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