Q & A: Dan Tulett (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)

An exciting signing for Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK is Dan Tulett, a World Championship medallist in cyclocross who also podiumed in a prem (Lancaster GP) in 2019

Q & A: Dan Tulett (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)

What does it mean to you to sign for a team manager with a long history in the sport?
Dan: It means an awful lot actually. The fact the team and Cherie has been in the sport for so long shows that they are trustworthy and have a solid structure and understanding of how to run a team.

You are known for that World podium in CX – in a GB 1-2-3 — what are your memories now of that moment
Dan: That was definitely a high point in my career so far. I’d always believed I was capable of a result like that, but never expected it there. My dad had booked the Eurotunnel home for that evening, so a few hours after finishing I was already back home and watching the elite men on TV the next day!

Will you go back to cyclocross or is the road your focus at the moment?
Dan: I would like to focus on making a career out of road racing for the time being, possibly if all goes well, I will be able to return to some cyclocross racing at some point because I will definitely miss it.

What are you highlights of the 2019 season?
Dan: My highlights of the 2019 season are being part of a great team with a really good bunch of lads. I really enjoyed racing on the continent, especially at the Baby Giro as this was my first taste of a proper stage race with some real mountains.

What are your key memories of the 2019 Under 23 Giro with the Wiggins team?
Dan: My fondest memories of the Baby Giro are probably puncturing, twice in the final sectors of the ‘Strade Bianche’ stage, and another whilst being in a winning break on the penultimate stage. Being in that break-away was pretty cool, the weather was absolutely awful, but I would have much preferred it to have been like that than 35 degree heat.

What was the toughest race in 2019
Dan: The toughest race in 2019 for me was probably Valle D’aosta. I’d started it with an unexpected 4th in the prologue, so was hoping to continue to fight for a good position over the coming stages.

About 5km into the 1st stage, I came off on a hairpin and landed right on my hip, I got back on the bike and into the peloton again but I just wasn’t right on the bike. I was shelled pretty quickly up the next climb. I managed to finish that day, but it was the same again the next and unfortunately had to pull out.

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What was the best race (the most fun/enjoyable one) in 2019?
Dan: The best race for me this year would have to be the two races I did in Portugal at the beginning of the season. The team was very new to me then so it was quite exciting. Working as a team to lead Gabz out for a win was also pretty cool.

What type of road races do you prefer? IE, hilly ones like the Lancaster GP?
Dan: I think naturally I prefer hillier or punchy races as they suit the sort of rider I am. Races where the field thins out as the race progresses are ones that I enjoy the most.

Was there one thing you learned in 2019 that stands out?
Dan: One thing I learnt in 2019 is that to get the best out of yourself you have to be happy and believe 100% in what you are doing.

Where in the country are you based?
Dan: I’m currently based at home in Kent. It’s quite ideal for racing on the continent as I’m within an hour from the channel tunnel and also have quite a few airports nearby. The training roads are surprisingly good too, not at all flat like most people think.

Do you train alone or is there a chain gang there?
Dan: I mainly train alone. I quite like sticking to my training routine so I’m pretty stubborn with the times I ride at.
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Do you mix off roading with on road training in the winter?
Dan: This winter is the first I haven’t been either training on the MTB or cyclocross bike actually. It feels quite a bit different not racing over the winter season. A lot less stress that’s for sure.

When does your training get serious this winter?
Dan: I ended my road season pretty early for a number of reasons this year. This meant I could have a good length rest and also start training quite early too. I’d say it has already got serious really. I have been in Spain with some friends training for a few weeks now.

Are you are a rider who likes to do long miles in training or short sharp structured sessions?
Dan: I would much prefer to do a shorter more structured session than long miles, I think this is because of my CX/XC background. I do see the importance of long base miles through the winter though.

Finally, what races in 2020 are ones you really want to work towards being part of.
Dan: In 2020 I would really like to target being part of races such as the Tour of Britain and Tour de Yorkshire. I think these could suit me quite well and I would love to see what I am capable of doing.

Good luck to Dan in 2020!