LOCKDOWN! With Adam Kenway (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)

Former Hill climb Champion and a rider who has a habit of getting in the breakaways in races, we quiz Adam Kenway on what he’s doing during Lockdown in Britain

LOCKDOWN! With Adam Kenway (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)

Former Hill climb Champion and a rider who has a habit of getting in the breakaways in races, we quiz Adam Kenway on what he’s doing during Lockdown in Britain

Q: Your last race was?
Adam: I was lucky enough to race in Le Samyn (UCI 1,1) at the beginning of March this year. It is possibly the biggest one day race I’ve done and my first time on Belgium cobbles too! I managed to get into the main break of the day which was one of the teams objectives for the race. It was a hard day out, but the legs felt good and it was a great experience that left me hungry for upcoming season!

Q: With racing cancelled, what’s a typical week training wise for you?
Adam: I still ride everyday, but since racing has been cancelled, I’ve switched back to winter phase training, which consists of more time in the saddle and longer distances rather than lots of high intensity work. I still like doing a few intense efforts on most rides to keep the body sharp!

A: Are you enjoying using the turbo or avoiding it like the virus?
Adam: Well, normally I tend to avoid it like the virus because I find the perceived intensity is always higher. However, in these times, you have to adapt to the circumstances you’re in, so I have begun to dabble in Zwifting! A few technical issues aside (useless laptop), I am getting into the swing of it!

… continued after advert

Q: If on the turbo, what’s your favourite distraction – Zwift or some other entertainment?
Adam: Definitely Zwift so far: I did my first Zwift race recently and only briefly glanced at the distance before joining. It was 27km, so I thought it would be a nice short one to ease myself in. Amusingly, I hadn’t check the route or elevation and accidentally ended up racing up Alpe du Zwift!

Q: What’s the hardest thing for you about the Lockdown
Adam: The hardest thing for me about cycling during the lockdown has to be the lack of cafe stops! I mean no racing! Not cafe stops LOL!

Q: Besides cycling, what’s your biggest distraction as lock down continues?
Adam: Mostly my time has been spent at home with my partner doing jobs around the house and spending time with my son.

Q: What’s the weirdest thing you have seen since this crisis began
Adam: The whole situation just feels very surreal, so it all still seems a bit weird! It’s like we’re in a real life film and just not sure what’s going to happen next.

Q: Where you do you enjoy riding your Vitus the most in this country or abroad?
Adam: I do love riding abroad just because it’s always nice riding somewhere a bit different. I was in Calpe doing some pre season training earlier this year and the roads were spectacular! It was also nice as I got to meet up with Freddie for a few days too! However, whilst riding abroad is great, riding in The Peak District on my doorstep is pretty hard to beat!

Q: What Namedsport Energy products do you use most on a training ride?
Adam: I tend to use the Isonam Energy drink and Total Energy Carb gels. I mainly use these as these are also what I like to use in racing: they keep me going and are really gentle on my stomach.

Q: What Schwalbe tyres are you using on your training wheels?
Adam: I’m currently using Schwalbe Pro ones which we run tubeless. I love this combination as I get the performance plus the reliability needed for everyday riding and going for those cheeky Strava KOMs.

Q: With the cold weather still with us, how many Velotec layers do you start a ride with?
Adam: As many as I can! Anybody who knows me knows I like to be wrapped up well: I’ve usually got at least one layer more than I should have on! Recently I’ve been using the Velotec fleecy lined winter jacket which I love as it keeps me very warm.

Thank you Adam, good luck for this surreal period we’re going through