Lockdown Q&A: Bailey Wilmot (Brother UK/Onform)

Today’s Lockdown Q&A is with Bailey Wilmot of Brother UK/Onform who is based just on the edge of the Peak District (Derbyshire) and who’s last race was the Eddie Soens in March

Lockdown Q&A: Bailey Wilmot (Brother UK/Onform)

Q: Where are you based & what was the highlight from 2019?
Bailey: I’m based in Derbyshire just on the edge of the peak district which is awesome for riding a bike! I had a break in 2019 after getting a bit distracted with other life things, the break definitely was good for me and now I’m feeling focused more so than I have for a long time, I want to get racing again so really hoping it won’t be too long to wait.

Q: What has been your career highlight so far and why?
Bailey: Winning the NDCXL CX league and the West Midlands CX league as well as placing top 10 in the National Trophy rounds all in one season, I was really pleased with this as I hadn’t expected it to go so well.

Q: Your last race was and how did it go?
Bailey: I rode the Eddie Soens in March which really was my first comeback race, played it safe and stayed with the main bunch to see how the legs felt, it went well and I was pleased, the legs felt fine. It gave me back the buzz for racing and the confidence boost after taking time out.

Q:With racing outdoors cancelled, what’s a typical week training wise for you?
Bailey: My typical training week is organised for me by Dean at Downing Cycling, generally 3 hour rides with the occasional turbo session for efforts, and of course a rest day. Sometimes I use the CX bike or MTB to mix things up a bit and keep it interesting especially with not being able to race after waiting so long.

Q: Are you in lockdown at home or having to work?
Bailey: Currently in lockdown at home, grateful that I can ride outdoors

Q: Are you using the turbo for e-racing?
Bailey: I haven’t done any e-races as yet, maybe I’ll do some if the outdoor racing doesn’t start soon, I do use the turbo for training though.

Q:If you are e-racing/riding, what are the biggest things you have had to learn during this period of no racing outside?
Bailey: For the turbo I now know that a fan and a towel are very useful along with a decent WIFI which we don’t always have which is rather annoying! Having no races to plan for and no goals can make it hard to keep focused on the reasons why you need or want to train, this is why I’m trying to keep it a bit fun as well to avoid it becoming stale and to keep it interesting while we all have to be patient.

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Q: Where do you do the majority of your training outside?
Bailey: The majority of my training is outdoors which I have always preferred, I don’t mind the rubbish Derbyshire weather (the sun does make an appearance occasionally!) I don’t mind the turbo sometimes as it breaks up the cycle and it helps when friends are also Zwifting too for the banter!

Q: What’s the hardest thing for you about this Lockdown period?
Bailey: Not being able to see friends, missing racing and having nothing to work towards.

Q: Besides cycling, what’s your biggest distraction during lockdown?
Bailey: The Brother UK podcast is definitely a good distraction, I’ve watched plenty of Netflix and I have some bike projects on the go to keep me busy.

Q: What’s the bike that gets the most use by you and what is the best thing about it?
Bailey: The bike I use the most is my team OnForm bike, the Bianchi Oltre XR4 from Twenty3c, I’ve never ridden a bike quite like it, it handles so well, it’s great to ride.

Q: What’s the strangest thing you have seen since this crisis began?
Bailey: People wearing gloves to then touch their phone, remove their gloves and then touch their phone again.

Q: Do you ride solo or with someone from your household?
Bailey: The majority is riding on my own, but I do occasionally ride with my brother.

Q: What has been the best ride so far during lockdown?
Bailey: My best ride by far will be my ride from home up to Snakes pass, Winnats Pass and Ladybower Reservoir, ended up being a 180km day on the bike and it was good weather so a great day out.

Q: Finally, what race will you miss the most if there’s no racing outside in 2020?
Bailey: I think my most missed race would be the Good Friday track meet at Lea Valley, I always planned to do it but never did for one reason or another, this year I had actually entered but it then was cancelled due to the pandemic so I’m gutted about that as I was really looking forward to it.

Thanks to Bailey for that, good luck in 2020 and stay safe.