Q & A: George Wood

Elite George Wood, a long time rider for Richardsons Trek, will step up to UCI Conti level in 2019 with SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling – here is a Q & A with George

Q & A: George Wood

1. How did you get into the sport of cycling?
GW: It started as just a hobby with family and friends at the age of 3. By the time I started secondary school, I was cycling to and from school every day, a round trip of 12.3 miles. I rode my first competition on the road at Dartford Summer in the Park at nine years old riding for Southend Wheelers and went on to do my first year at national level road racing at 18 years old.

2. Full time rider, student or working?
GW: Last year I was a part time rider, working part time in season and full-time work in the winter. This year I am going to be cycling full time to devote all my efforts into my training and racing.

3. Best race for you in 2018 and why?
GW: Coming 3rd in the Mr Porter London Nocturne.

4. Best organised/fun race you did in 2018?
GW: Tour of Reservoir.

5. Toughest race of 2018 and why?
GW: Ryedale GP with the grim weather conditions.

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6. Funniest moment in a race in 2018?
GW: Wondering whether I was going succumb to dehydration before the Bristol GP even started. I vaguely remember a few of us fighting to stay in the shade of the start sign (probably not that funny at the time!)

7. Do you train alone or have others to help you get through the ride?
GW: Local group based in the Essex lanes, but also enjoy training alone.

8. In the winter – training on the road or indoors?
GW: I prefer training on the road, however, I do a lot of structured turbo sessions.

9. How many hours on the bike can you fit in during an average winter training week?
GW: On average 14 hours a week.

10. Is there any off the bike training (running/swimming/gym etc)?
GW: I do try to incorporate some gym sessions maybe once a week.

11. Do you train with any gadgets (Heart rate/power) or just go on ‘feel’ of the ride
GW: Garmin with heart rate and power.

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12. Which pieces of the clothing would you use to keep warm and dry on a rainy, cold day like winter now?
GW: Winter cape, gloves and overshoes.

13. What are your key goals for 2019?
GW: I would like to produce some solid results in my first UCI races, as well as, having a good crack at the Tour Series again this year.

14. If there was one race you could get a ride in during 2019, what would that be and why?
GW: Tour of Britain has always been a race I have dreamed of being in from a child.

15. Favourite pro race to watch on tele and why?
GW: Tour de France is such a prestigious race watching so many British riders dominating the race has been so inspiring to me.

16. Do you race in the winter to keep the top end or focus only on training?
GW: I do the occasional track league for top end but mainly focus on winter miles.

17. Finally, best thing about being in a UCI team for 2019?
GW: Having the opportunity to be in a team that can contend for a spot in the Tour de Yorkshire and Tour of Britain this year, as well as opportunities abroad.