Q & A: Jamie Holmes (Rivet Racing 2017)

After racing for Mid Shropshire Wheelers, Jamie Holmes has moved over to Rivet Racing for 2017

Q & A: Jamie Holmes (Rivet Racing 2017)

Jamie Holmes will be racing for Rivet Racing in 2017, a brand new team for 2017 “It’s very exciting to be signed up to a brand new team, with new opportunities and teammates” says Jamie. Here is his Q & A …

1. How did you get into cycle racing â€¦
Jamie: I got into cycle racing by rocking up to my local Crewe Clarion club 10. I did a ’27’ on my road bike which I thought was pretty bad, but five months later I’d knocked it down to a 21! (impressive, Ed)

2. Whatâ€™s your favourite discipline in cycling?
Jamie: My favorite discipline in cycling is climbing. I love it… though I’m not necessarily good at it! I like anything based on the road really – and I enjoy time trials despite the pain! I’ve not done much road races, but the ones I have done, I’ve really enjoyed.

3. What is the best thing about bike racing?
Jamie: The thrill of whizzing along at 30mph slicing through the peloton. Or, the brief few moments when you’re flying along in a TT putting out the perfect power and your legs feel amazing! Or simply just the joy of getting out there, meeting your mates, and getting covered in crap on rubbish British roads!

4. What was the highlight of 2016 for you and why?
Jamie Holmes: My highlight of 2016 was winning the National RTTC Classic Series (junior)! I took two course records too…despite crashing at 40mph into a bollard and ending up in an elderly woman’s back garden!

5. What was your favourite/most fun race of 2016
Jamie Holmes: The most fun race I did was the national hill climb! I performed terribly, but I loved the crowds and the atmosphere! I wish I could be a pro-rider racing in the big events to get that atmosphere up the climbs!

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6. What was the toughest race of 2016 for you and why?
Jamie Holmes: The toughest race was the ‘Little Mountain TT’ run by Beacon RC! At almost 40 miles long with a good 3000ft of climbing, you really have to sit on the edge! Unfortunately I crashed coming down a hill because of loose gravel… I tumbled into an elderly woman’s back garden at 40mph! After finishing the race, taking the junior course record and the junior win, I was taken to hospital to find out I had concussion!! #epicride??

7. If there was one thing you learned most in 2016 to help you go faster/better, what was that?
Jamie Holmes: Eat more. I always have a terrible habit of not eating enough, which massively slows down recovery! Stuff your face with healthy food, you won’t put on weight :)

8. What is the best piece of equipment (clothing/bike/gadget) to do with racing you are proud of most?
Jamie Holmes: In all honesty, I LOVE my fluro-pink Bont shoes and fluro pink KASK helmet. I got a lot of comments on them, but I love it!

9. What is your warm up routine for races â€“ rollers or turbo? Music or no music?
Jamie Holmes: I stick to a 30 minute plan which builds up to threshold, a few sprints and a last minute swig of water. I also like listening to ‘Bicycle Race’ by Queen…(don’t judge!)

10. 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?
Jamie Holmes: Unfortunately…stay in the UK on the delightful country lanes around Cheshire.

11. When will you start training for 2017 and what comes first â€“ long steady miles or a mix of miles and efforts?
Jamie Holmes: I have started training for 2017. At the moment I’m averaging around 14 hrs a week, building up to 20hrs a week in January. I don’t live that far from the Peak District, so I do plenty of sweeeeeetspot efforts up the Cat and Fiddle.

12. What are the goals for 2017?
Jamie Holmes: Do more road races- I’d like to get up to 1st cat.

13. Does winter training consist only of riding the bike or running/swimming/gym work (cross training)
Jamie Holmes: Mainly bike work. I enjoy core workouts, yoga and a bit of running though, even if it’s just for an hour!

14. Finally, what have you learnt over the years to best deal with the winter months on a bike!
Jamie Holmes: Just gotta deal with the wet and wind…I often swear at the wind, or sing songs to myself!