TLI CYCLING FEATURE: Alan Forrester Q&A

Alan Forrester is the latest TLI rider to take their place in the interview chair with the legend Michael Bell

TLI CYCLING FEATURE: Alan Forrester Q&A

TLI CYCLING FEATURE ( by Michael Bell) — Alan Forrester is the latest TLI rider to take their place in the interview chair with the legend Michael Bell who writes “when I was considering the possibility of racing again and familiarising myself with TLI races and results, Alan’s name was one that I saw repeated often. His ‘palmares’ speaks volumes: from that first TLI National title in the 2012 circuit race championships (the first of 3 consecutive E category wins) to this year’s titles as BMCR RR champion, with dozens of medals of all hues in between including those of British Cycling, The League of Veteran Racing Cyclists (LVRC, forerunner of BMCR), World Championship medals and a victory in the Copa Europa Masters in Mallorca.

I think all will agree, it is an impressive haul and having raced alongside Alan in TLI races over the last couple of seasons, his attitude and determination has been inspirational to me as he competes with riders years younger.”
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Alan: I’m 75, currently a TLI H category rider (75-79). I ride for the Graham Weigh Racing Team and I’m also a Second Claim member of Rhyl Cycling Club. Married to Mary for 52 years, one daughter: Lorna and 2 grandchildren, Ffion and Nathan. I’m retired now, having worked at Shotton Steel as a shunter driver until being made redundant in the late 1970’s, I was lucky to walk straight into the same role at Shell UK, Stanlow.

I joined the RNLI at 16 as part of my Duke of Edinburgh award but ended up continuing to serve as an active RNLI member volunteer throughout my adult life. I was a Senior Lifeboat Helmsman on the Flint inshore lifeboat, the equivalent of a coxswain. I later became the Lifeboat Operations Manager until I was 74 when I retired from active operations. I’m still very much involved in the fund raising side of things. I had cancer diagnosis in 2023 but after two successful operations, I was soon back racing again. I’ll be monitored regarding this for the next 5 years.
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Michael: So, how did you start Cycling?
Alan: I started cycling late, at 60. Before this, I’d been a runner. Starting with cross country at school when I’d compete in inter-school races. After leaving school I didn’t do much running or other exercise until I joined Flint Runners in my 20’s to regain a bit of fitness. I got to a decent club standard. I’d run all recognised distances from 5km to Marathons. I ran the London and Athens races as well as more local events in Barmouth, Deeside and Stoke with a PB of 3:10, which is a good time but I ‘blew’ in each Marathon and feel I could have recorded a faster time.

My favourite distance was the Half Marathon: our club had a goal of 1:30, all my times were under this, my PB was 1:18 on an out and back course along the Ceriog Valley. Eventually, sciatica put an end to my running and I started to put weight on, a friend suggested cycling to keep fit.
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Michael: How did you enter the world of cycling and subsequently racing?
Alan: My first bike was a Townsend mountain bike. I enjoyed riding this until I upgraded to a 531 steel tubed road bike from Deeside Cycles and then a Kuota. I joined Rhyl CC, taking part in their training sessions at Marsh Tracks. I started to race aged 60 but was way out of my depth, in each race as I was getting lapped before I eventually managed to hang on. I was nervous in the bunch though, so I’d sit last man. I just didn’t have the years of experience that my peers had.
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Michael: Have you ever been coached?
Alan: No, I’ve never had a coach. In my early days of racing I got to know Dave Cuming, an ex-professional rider who was a member of GWRT. He was an inspiration to me and I learned a lot by watching his tactics and race craft. He’d been there and done it and had probably forgotten more than I’ll ever know regarding racing.

The best decision I made was to join TLI, I was able to make the most of the advice from many of the riders with lots of experience, especially Dave. (Dave Cuming initially rode as a UK based pro for Viking Cycles before a number of seasons in Belgium for the well established Fangio team, at a time when few UK riders could break through in that country)

He commented on my racing style, joking that I’d chase a crisp packet if it blew past me. I learnt so much from him, his advice was priceless. Once I’d gained experience, I realised time trialling solo was a big strength and asset and if I could get away on my own I could often TT my way to the win.
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Michael: What do you consider as your best race result?
Alan: Probably my first National Title in 2012, the TLI circuit race championship but 2014 was a great year for me. I won the road, circuit race and TT titles in TLI, LVRC and BC.
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Michael: Now that we’re deep into the ‘off-season’, what is your winter training regime?
Alan: I’ve been riding the North Wales cyclo cross league. I’ve noticed though, considering all my running experience, I struggle quite a lot on the running sections which are only a matter of yards. I’ve also started the Quality Structured Training sessions at the velodrome, and I ride the TLI GWRT Chaingang & Paceline Sessions at Marsh Tracks.
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Michael: Other than that, if you can find the time!, do you train during the week, alone or solo?
Alan: I really enjoy a Saturday social/cafe ride with the Saturday group. For training, I have a 27-mile circuit which takes me along the traffic-free River Dee embankment path to Saltney Ferry near Chester, then back towards Flint either via the Greenway, another traffic-free route or Saughall. I do this a number of times per week.
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Michael: Outside of cycling, do you have a sporting hero?
Alan: That’s easy. George Best. There’s no comparison, I’ve always been a Manchester United fan and Best in his prime for MUFC along with Denis Law and Bobby Charlton as the United Trinity was a fantastic era.
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Michael: Aims, ambitions for 2026?
Alan: Just to continue racing, I love it and the training for it too. I’d like to retain my titles.
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Michael: Any regrets?
Alan: None at all. I’ve sometimes wished I’d discovered bike racing earlier as I realised I’m a better cyclist than runner but having said that, I really enjoyed my running career.
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Michael: Finally, tell us something about you that might not be generally known?
Alan: I received the RNLI Gallantry medal after rescuing a fisherman in the River Dee Estuary who had got himself in to difficulties. I also received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the RNLI. I’ve also appeared on Blue Peter!
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Thank you Alan and the best of luck for the 2026 season 👍 🏴
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