Q&A: Nathan Smith (Prologue Racing Team)

Another Xmas special; quiz time with Nathan Smith whose first road race was the CiCLE Classic where he finished 16th…

Q&A: Nathan Smith (Prologue Racing Team)

Q:Overall, how was your season on the bike?
Nathan: My overall season was a strange one. I came in without much expectation, riding for a local club Clifton and not on a Junior Team as I hadn’t had many results at Youth level but I seemed to progress, preferring the longer races upwards of 100k like CiCLE classic which was a shock to finish 16th in my first ever road race.

Nathan is clear of the chase group behind the three leaders with a finishing circuit to do in the CiCLE Classic

That alongside 19th at Yorkshire Classic, were two early results that got me spotted by Prologue and asked me to join them in Ireland as a guest rider. I rode well in Ireland providing a vital team role. That opportunity got me a permanent spot and I was asked to join for the remainder of the 2023 season. I went through a bit of a rough patch mid to late season with three big races; Mendips, Wales and Plouay; not going my way due to poor form and mechanicals. But Top 20’s in the National series seem to be my thing as I was able to pull one more on the final race of the year in 18th at the final round, the North West Tour.

Q: What was the best result/performance of yours in 2023.
Nathan: Best result was definitely CiCLE Classic(16th) and I can’t wait to return one year stronger and wiser.

Q: What race was the most fun to do in 2023?
Nathan: Ireland was the most fun for me because it wasn’t all bike racing. We had down times most of it which were spent just messing around with your mates.

Q: When you race abroad, was it better than racing here?
Nathan: Main differences would be the closed roads, the European riders you can’t understand and the level is taken up a notch. All of which make it better, but it also puts into perspective where you stand in the UK.

Q: What are the key things you learnt in 2023 in racing with the team?
Nathan: Key thing I leant was fuelling when racing, always eating and taking gels is the key. I also learned a lot on being more independent. Going to Ireland for six days without my parents with a group of people who at the time I didn’t know very well, was quite a shock to the system.

Q: What was the toughest bike race you did in 2023?
Nathan: Tour of Wales by a long way. The stage profiles were the most difficult, then the level of riders competing, the weather conditions, 5 stages in 4 days all combined to make it the hardest race of the year.

Q: When do you get back in the saddle and start training for 2024?
Nathan: Preparation for 24 has already begun. I’ve taken on a coach and a new bike has been purchased. I want an even bigger season next year.

Q: What are your goals for 2024
Nathan: 2024 needs to be a big year so that I have enough results to apply to Under 23 teams. At the National Series I want to turn top 20’s into Top 10’s and then see what I can do on the continent. Do a bit more winning in local races because I haven’t had my hands up in a little while.