Lockdown Q&A with Gemma Sargent

This latest lockdown feature is with Gemma Sargent of Jadan Cyclespace -Vive le Velo who is based in the North West of the UK and works full time at Merlin Cycles as a customer service advisor

Lockdown Q&A with Gemma Sargent

This latest lockdown feature is with Gemma Sargent of Jadan Cyclespace -Vive le Velo who is based in the North West of the UK and works full time at Merlin Cycles as a customer service advisor

Q: Your last race was?
Gemma: Just a local one at Salt Ayre Lancaster. I did a few Saturdays consecutively just to get my racing legs and head ready, just to get them used to how it feels after winter training. The smaller races like this are prep for the season ahead really and something I’d class as training races. Couple of decent placings so happy with that.

Q: With racing cancelled, what’s a typical week training wise for you?
Gemma: Well, I’m still working full time, from home mind, so my training is pretty similar to what it normally would be. I start work at 8:30am so depends on the length of the session, but I tend to be on the turbo by 6am, sometimes earlier. I have tried to train after work but it just doesn’t suit me and I feel I get more out of the session and myself in the morning.

Q: Enjoying the turbo or avoiding it like the virus?
Gemma: Ha ha, my team mates know me as the turbo queen LoL! It’s the only way I can get the training in whilst working full time. I’m not on Zwift (yet…I’m thinking about it) so I just tend to jump on the turbo, earphones in and some good beaty music full blast and get the session done. I train to power and seem pretty content just concentrating on what I’m doing with good music going. My team mates have used Zwift and tell me it’s brutal LoL! I think the power to weight thing plays a massive part and without this being verified, it’s easy for people to tell some porky pies on their weight …

Q: Where would you do the majority of your training, turbo or road?
Gemma: Turbo and road mainly. I do a little track in the winter but that’s just for Team Pursuit practice. My turbo sessions are weekday mornings and I do my longer road rides at the weekend. Not at the minute though as I’m in lockdown so all my training is on the turbo currently.. Three hours on the turbo is character building!

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Q: What’s the hardest thing for you about the Lock Down?
Gemma: Not seeing family and friends, not being able to ride outside, not being able to go to a nice little cafe for afternoon coffee.. Just being outside really, I hate being cooped up indoors! This may sound crazy but even not being able to go food shopping! I have to shield for 12 weeks as I have bad asthma and a history of lung issues so I can’t even do that 😫

Q: Besides cycling, what’s your biggest distraction as lock down continues?
Gemma: I have become addicted to Game of Thrones LoL and now I’m working at home, my dog distracts me constantly, wanting attention.

Q: What’s the bike that gets the most use by you and what is the best thing about it?
Gemma: My trusty turbo bike at the minute. Solid aluminium Giant which I’m using daily! I do miss riding my gorgeous Cinelli superstar race bike though. Can’t wait to be back riding it!

Q: What’s the weirdest thing you have seen since this crisis began?
Gemma: People’s attitudes. Some can be kind, some not so. Initially, before I was shielding, people walking around in face masks but now this seems the norm…

Q: Where you do you enjoy riding the most in this country?
Gemma: Without a doubt, the Lakes. I lived there for many years so it’s just stunning nd has a part of my heart, plus I love the hills!

Q: How do you deal with riding solo – taking in the scenery, concentrating on efforts, etc …
Gemma: I’m kinda used to it to be honest. I just get some good music on and get it done. When I can ride outside, I do like to take in the scenery. It’s quite pretty where I live and I’m close to Rivington so it reminds me of the Lakes District a bit.

Gemma says “Lastly I’d just like to thank all our sponsors who are standing by us through all of this: Jadan press, Vive le Velo, Pulseroll, OTE, Cycling shorts, Cinelli.”