Q & A: Ryan Ellis (THRE Datawolves RT)

VeloUK’s Q & A with Ryan Ellis who aims to bounce back from a crash on the ice last winter to a winning season in 2017 with THRE Datawolves RT

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Q & A: Ryan Ellis (THRE Datawolves RT)

VeloUK’s Q & A with Ryan Ellis who says of his team in 2017, THRE Datawolves RT, “the best thing about the team has to be the vision and commitment we have from Team Manager Grahame and title sponsor Datawolves”.

“The guys are so passionate and that rubs off on the riders who are all extremely motivated to deliver next year. We have plenty of work to do over the winter but its looking like 2017 will be a great season for us.

1. How did you get into cycle racing …
Ryan: I got into racing in 2012. I sold my car to fund the purchase of a new property and started to cycle into work with my younger brother Adam. We have always been very competitive so I saw it as an opportunity to rip his legs off every day and it was Adam who recognised how strong I was getting and pushed me into entering my first race. I turned up to my first 4th Cat crit thinking I was superman and quickly got spat out the back but I stuck with it and the rest is history.

2. What’s your favourite discipline in cycling?
Ryan: A good road race with an uphill finish is perfect for me. I have good Watts per kg for a one and two minute effort so if I can hang on in the break for a few hours, I always fancy myself in a reduced sprint up a little drag.

3. What is the best thing about bike racing?
Ryan: Bikes in general are just awesome… aren’t they? It doesn’t matter if its racing or training, it just makes me happy.

4. What was the highlight of 2016 for you and why?
Ryan: 2016 has been difficult. I hit a patch of ice and crashed on a training ride back in March and although I didn’t know at the time, I had sustained a detached retina and had significantly reduced vision in my right eye. When this was finally identified, I required surgery to try and repair the eye and save my vision which has thankfully been very successful.

With this in mind I would have to say that signing for the Team has been my biggest highlight. I got the call two days after my 30th birthday so after the confirmation that I am getting old and after months of downtime looking after my eye, for the team to recognise my potential and support me is amazing.

5. If there was one thing you learned most in 2016 to help you go faster/better, what was that?
Ryan: Don’t try to be too brave over the winter and adverse weather! If I had sat on my turbo for an hour instead of heading off into the peaks on icy roads then I would not have had the accident that led to my difficult year. I am not saying be soft, just be wise and make smart decisions.

6. What is the best piece of equipment (clothing/bike/gadget) to do with racing you are proud of most?
Ryan: My stages Power Metre. Stages get mixed reviews particularly during the winter months and wet weather but mine has been fantastic and very reliable.

7. What is your warm up routine for races – rollers or turbo? Music or no music?
Ryan: I always warm up on the road and if possible do at least one lap of the circuit. Its a good opportunity to spot any opportunities where you need to get to the front or any hazards on the course as well as spotting some familiar faces and having a roll around with friends.

8. 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?
Ryan: My first love is snowboarding so unfortunately all my money and annual leave gets spent on our lads annual snowboarding trip to Europe every January. That said, I live on the edge of the peak district with plenty of challenging climbs for those 15 – 20 minute threshold efforts so the only thing I really miss out on is the sun tan.
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9. When will you start training for 2017 and what comes first – long steady miles or a mix of miles and efforts?
Ryan: I started training seriously again last month and after a year without any structure or discipline to my training I already feel like a different rider. This year the team are very lucky to be working with Marc Mclean of 2M Coaching and Fitness and Marc currently has me doing a really good mix of work including nice long Z2/Z3 rides as well as some shorter sweetspot and threshold work on the turbo during the week.

10. What are the goals for 2017?
Ryan: A personal goal this year is to win a Regional A but we have a lot of strong guys who are all capable of winning races so we have cards to play for every occasion. All the lads get on great and I am sure they will all agree with me that any one of us would happily finish dead last in order to get our team mate over the line first and that’s what we are all about. If I can achieve some personal goals through this team mentality, then that’s a bonus.

11. Does winter training consist only of riding the bike or running/swimming/gym work (cross training)
Ryan: I am very active off the bike anyway so things like snowboarding, hiking, running keep me busy and mix things up on rest days or easy days. In previous years, I have worked in the gym but currently I am just training on the bike with some specific strength drills.

12. Finally, what have you learnt over the years to best deal with the winter months on a bike!
Ryan: Mudguards and suitable good quality clothing are a must. When I first started riding I was so soft and would always find a way out of a ride at the first sight of rain. I didn’t have mudguards, my overshoes were pointless and my winter bibs and jacket were poor quality so I was wet and cold as soon as I stepped out of the door. Invest in good kit and get out, then watch the Strava Kudos role in on a Sunday afternoon because people think you are Nails!……. No Ice though…… Ice is bad!

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