Q & A: Dave Mitchinson

The next Q & A today is with Dave Mitchinson of Contour Cycles RT sponsored by ASK-Physio, a new team for him.

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Q & A: Dave Mitchinson

“This is a new team for me” says Dave “after riding for CC Ashwell for the last two seasons. I’m excited about experimenting with different roles within the new team and helping the other riders achieve their seasons aims, as well as chasing my own glory!”

1. How did you get into cycle racing?
Dave: From 1992 – 2015 I was a distance runner, racing as a senior for Great Britain and England, but it took its toll on my body so I ‘retired’, got a bike to stop myself getting fat, then realized I really missed competing. I joined CC Ashwell in Hertfordshire and my bike racing spiraled from there!

2. What’s your favourite discipline in cycling?
Dave: I’ve tried cyclo-cross, Road, Crits, track and hill climbs since starting to race. I absolutely love track, the simplicity of no brakes and gears appeals to me. I’ve particularly enjoyed grass track as its so accessible, and a carnival atmosphere at most of the events.

3. What is the best thing about bike racing?
Dave: I just really enjoy pitting myself against other people. I love the fact that its not always the fittest person that wins a bike race, this is basically in stark contrast to distance running, and something I’m still getting to grips with!

4. What was the highlight of 2016 for you and why?
Dave: Probably the World Masters (35-40) points race. It was a step into the unknown for me, and despite an embarrassing off in the first 30 metres I was able to get in an early break, gaining a lap. I was loving the experience and was pleased with 8th.

5. What was your favourite/most fun race of 2016
Dave: Anything on the grass track, Mildenhall stands out as I managed a win at one of the National endurance events, going from a long way out on my own in horrific conditions. The first time I’d raced on the grass in the rain.

6. What was the toughest race of 2016 for you and why?
Dave: The previously mention World Masters champs, as after gaining a lap I still had 90 laps to go! I lost laps after that to the eventual top riders, and was seeing stars by the end, but hung on for a respectable finish.

7. If there was one thing you learned most in 2016 to help you go faster/better, what was that?
Dave: I need to learn to be patient, I often find myself attacking early in a race, and think I could learn a lot from waiting longer, and maybe even testing my sprint!
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8. What is the best piece of equipment (clothing/bike/gadget) to do with racing you are proud of most?
Dave: I’m very lucky to have been loaned a Giant TCR advanced Pro 1 by Contour Cycles for 2017, its so light and responsive. A really pleasure to race on.

9. What is your warm up routine for races – rollers or turbo? Music or no music?
Dave: Rollers. I train on rollers a lot in the winter, and always have music playing, but I normally forget my headphones for races.

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?
Dave: I don’t get much holiday to use from work, so will be saving it for family holidays. My wife is a competitive swimmer as is my daughter. We normally have a week in Majorca for swimming – ironically I’ve never taken my bike! Last year I got bored and raced a mile in the sea with absolutely no preparation – I may have been close to last, but didn’t get eaten by a shark, so I was happy, as that had been my main concern.

11. When will you start training for 2017 and what comes first – long steady miles or a mix of miles and efforts?
Dave: I had a break in September and started training soon after, I’ve already raced a couple of times, and have had my entry accepted for the National Track Champs Points race on 28 January, so am really looking forwards to that experience.

12. What are the goals for 2017?
Dave: I’d like to get my first Cat licence. I managed 152 points last season, but missed a few weeks after injuring myself at work. I’m hoping to achieve that aim this season, and will also target the National grass track 8km champs and the Emergency services road race.

13. Does winter training consist only of riding the bike or running/swimming/gym work (cross training)
Dave: I stopped running completely for two years, but have started doing a two mile jog every sunday morning with my daughter Ellie. She’s only 9, but has to go easy on her old man now I’ve got cyclists quads.

14. Finally, what have you learnt over the years to best deal with the winter months on a bike!
Dave: Have a garage containing rollers and a Squat rack – that way there is no excuse not to train!!

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