Q & A: Olympic Champion Katie Archibald

New signing for Team WNT Pro Cycling is an Olympic champion no less, Katie Archibald. The Scottish lass takes the Q & A quiz …

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Q & A: Olympic Champion Katie Archibald

Katie says the best thing about joining Team WNT is the racing opportunities it will give her. Here’s Katie’s quickfire Q & A!

1. How did you get into cycle racing?
Katie: Racing handicapped races at various Highland Games and getting a taste for winning!

2. What’s your favourite discipline in cycling?
Katie: Track.

3. What is the best thing about bike racing?
Katie: The adrenaline and tactics.

4. What was the highlight of 2016 for you and why?
Katie: Gaining the Women’s Team Pursuit World record at the same time as winning Olympic Gold because it solidified the ride as one of the all time best.

5. What was your favourite/most fun race of 2016
Katie: Six Day London – lots and lots of racing so lots and lots of fun!

6. What was the toughest race of 2016 for you and why?
Katie: Glasgow World Cup Madison – had to finish with three broken bones in my wrist and hand.

7. If there was one thing you learned most in 2016 to help you go faster/better, what was that?
Katie: Get in the gym.

8. What is the best piece of equipment (clothing/bike/gadget) to do with racing you are proud of most?
Katie: I’m not really proud but impressed by the precision that went into our custom fitted GB skinsuits for the Olympics. People assume it’s really tight but actually it’s just perfectly fitted.

9. What is your warm up routine for races – rollers or turbo? Music or no music?
Katie: Turbo (better for putting effort out) and music. Headphones should also be a red flag to anyone who thinks it’s a good time to come and chat to you!

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?
Katie: I’m typing this sat in the airport on the way back from Mallorca – will probably get another camp in before April.

11. When will you start training for 2017 and what comes first – long steady miles or a mix of miles and efforts?
Katie: Well, I’m already targeting Track Worlds in April so it’s all a bit more jumbled for track riders.

12. What are the goals for 2017?
Katie: Biggest aim is an individual podium at the Track Worlds but also hoping to make some inroads with stage racing.

13. Does winter training consist only of riding the bike or running/swimming/gym work (cross training)
Katie: I used to do a lot of different sports (hockey, running, skiing) but since going full time three years ago (age 19) it’s just been two wheels. I do gym, track, road, turbo, throughout the season but it’s really always bike work.

14. Finally, what have you learnt over the years to best deal with the winter months on a bike!
Katie: Always get a couple weeks abroad if you can!

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