Q & A: Fiona Russell (Fusion RT)

A member of the Brother UK sponsored Fusion Racing Team, second cat rider Fiona Russell answers the questions in the VeloUK Q & A …

RST Cycle Clothing & Trigon Bikes

Q & A: Fiona Russell (Fusion RT)

1. How did you get into the sport of cycling?
Fiona: I moved to Bristol and wanted to get out and explore the area so I joined the Bristol Road Club. Figured I would then give this racing lark a go after some encouragement from the club.

2. Full time rider, student or working?
Fiona: Working

3. Best result for you in 2018?
Fiona: Second in South Regional Road Race Championships

4. Best organised/fun race you did in 2018?
Fiona: Oakenclough was a really well organised event by Cold Dark North

5. Toughest race of 2018?
Fiona: Ryedale – got dropped early on, battled on for two hours solo until I got pulled in with a lap to go. There were tears at the end!
… continued after advert

6. Best moment in a race in 2018?
Fiona: Team mate Becca Johnson coming back for me when I was struggling to move up in the peloton, that kind of team spirit really motivated me to improve

7. Do you train alone or have others to help you get through the ride?
Fiona: Mostly alone, because I’m generally fitting it in before and after work. I’d love to get back out on the Bristol Road Club Saturday runs though for the company on longer rides

8. In the winter, training on the road or indoors?
Fiona: Both, and I love going to the track at Newport for the 42 degrees coached sessions.

9. How many hours on the bike can you fit in during an average winter training week?
Fiona: Feels like a good week if I get to 12
… continued after advert

2016_ShuttVeloRapideAdvert

10. Is there any off the bike training (running/swimming/gym etc)?
Fiona: I work away in London every week so tend to use the gym then for a bit of running or cross training

11. Do you train with any gadgets (Heart rate/power) or just go on ‘feel’ of the ride?
Fiona: I got a power meter last year but I’m probably not getting the most out of it; I have found training to cadence really beneficial

12. Are you eager to race again or happy to wait for the first to come along in 2019?
Fiona: A bit of a protracted period off the bike means I’ll need all the training time I can get before the race season starts again!

14. Are you doing anything different in training this winter than last one?
Fiona: Trying to be a bit kinder to myself when I don’t manage to fit everything in – sometimes your week doesn’t pan out the way you wanted it to, but better to reset for the next than kick yourself for it

15. Which races are you looking forward to most in 2019?
Fiona: I’m hoping to do CICLE classic as I missed that this year due to breaking my collarbone, and I would like to go back to Ryedale to prove a point to myself more than anyone!

16. Favourite pre race meal?
Fiona: Porridge with generous spoonful of peanut butter

17. Favourite race drink?
Fiona: Anything – I drink so much during a race I’m generally scrounging off team mates by the end

18. Best one thing you learned about racing in 2018?
Fiona: Racing as a team unlocks a whole new aspect to the sport

19. Favourite race(s) you like to watch and inspire you?
Fiona: Tour de France and the Vuelta

AlpsCyclesMidstory

Cycle Division’s Shop

Send your results as well as club, team & event news here

Other Results on VeloUK (including reports containing results)

Other News on VeloUK

Tags: