Q&A: Sian Botteley, Team Onform

The quizes continue with a Q&A with first category rider Sian Botteley of Team Onform who is looking forward to the new race at Bourne in 2019

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Q&A: Sian Botteley, Team Onform

VeloUK: How did you get into the sport of cycling?
Sian : My dad ran the local go ride so I helped out with that. He bought a couple of islabikes for new kids to have a go at racing, I did one of the Lincolnshire league CX races, somehow went off course and came dead last, but I was the only girl so I won a tenner so decided to do it again the next week. Then I started beating people and didn’t look back!

VeloUK: Full time rider, student or working?
Sian : Currently working full time for Trek Bikes in Milton Keynes

VeloUK: Best result for you in 2018?
Sian : Went a bit off the boil, all my BC points embarrassingly came from one MK bowl spring series race. Next year will hopefully be a comeback to the level I was in 2017! I did however do a 12 hour MTB race in which me and my partner won the mixed pairs category which was good fun.

VeloUK: Best organised/fun race you did in 2018?
Sian : Got to be the CiCLE Classic, my local race and impeccable organisation of what is realistically an organiser’s logistical nightmare! I love the technical off road sections and growing up watching the men’s race, it was always a wish of mine to race it myself.

VeloUK: Toughest race of 2018?
Sian : Probably grovelling round the Lincoln GP. My first road race of the season, hadn’t quite got to grips with managing training and working full time. I got a thorough kicking and just scraped round in the bunch.

VeloUK: Best moment in a race or funniest moment in a race in 2018?
Sian : Again 2018 wasn’t my year so struggling to think of anything personal, but it filled me with pride seeing my teammate Anna Henderson do as incredibly well as she did throughout the year.

VeloUK: Do you train alone or have others to help you get through the ride?
Sian : A bit of both. I love group rides if I need to get some endurance in, but prefer to do specific efforts alone.
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VeloUK: In the winter, training on the road or indoors?
Sian : I’m not a fan of the turbo. It serves a purpose when it’s dark and miserable like when I finish work late, but I’ll always get out on the road if I can.

VeloUK: . How many hours on the bike can you fit in during an average winter training week?
Sian : I try to fit 10-15 hours in if I can.

VeloUK: . Is there any off the bike training (running/swimming/gym etc)?
Sian : Not really. I like to keep on top of core strength but other than that, just bike riding for me. I’ve got an MTB and CX bike to change things up a bit occasionally.

VeloUK: Do you train with any gadgets (Heart rate/power) or just go on ‘feel’ of the ride?
Sian : Heart rate and power meter. I’ve got used to training with power and I’m not a fan of training without it now. I definitely read into it too much sometimes though, and get too caught up in the numbers if they’re a bit sub par.

VeloUK: Are you eager to race again or happy to wait for the first to come along in 2019?
Sian : I’m eager to race again because last year was so bad for me, but I’ve got a long way to go to be at a good level again so I’m happy training well for now!
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VeloUK: Are you doing anything different in training this winter than last one?
Sian : I’ve recently got a new coach which is working really well for me at the moment, definitely doing more turbo work because of work time constraints.

VeloUK: Which races are you looking forward to most in 2019
Sian : There’s a new race on the calendar, the Bourne Cicle Classic organised by the same guys as the Rutland. Bourne is my home town and the race is on my home roads much like the Rutland, so I can’t wait to ride both of those events.

VeloUK: Favourite pre race meal?
Sian : Lasagna!

VeloUK: Favourite race drink?
Sian : I don’t really like energy drinks but they serve a purpose, I’m a fan of just water.

VeloUK: Best one thing you learned about racing in 2018?
Sian : A lot of things changed in my personal life in 2018 and it took a lot more out of me than I thought it would. I’ve definitely learned from it to just give yourself a chance and prioritise your own happiness over anything else. If you’re happy, then you’ll be motivated to train and succeed.

VeloUK: Favourite professional to watch on tele (male or female) and favourite race(s) you like to watch and inspire you?
Sian : I love watching the cobbled classics. Peter Sagan has always been a favourite of mine, classy and skilful, and always seems to bring a fun side to racing.

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