Q & A: Anna Christian (Drops Cycling)

VeloUK quizzes Isle of Man rider Anna Christian who is riding for the Drops Cycling team in 2017

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Q & A: Anna Christian (Drops Cycling)

1. How does it feel to be part of a team that made such a big impact in 2016?
Anna: I’m really looking forward to riding with Drops for next season. After seeing what they achieved and how much they grew throughout 2016, I’m excited to see what the team can go onto achieve for 2017 and be to a part of that.

2. What was the highlight of the 2016 season for you?
Anna: Definitely being a part of Chloe Hoskings win at Tour of Chong Ming Island. It was the first Women’s World Tour Stage race so for the team and Chloe to take the win was special. Also with the race being in China, it was a very different experience!

3. What was your favourite race of 2016?
Anna: My favourite race was probably the Tour of Ardeche. It was a really different race to usual with it being so mountainous, with some pretty epic climbs along the way. It included the Mont Ventoux for a stage finish, although it was one of the hardest stages I’ve ever ridden, I finished weirdly thinking ‘I enjoyed that’.

4. What was the toughest race of 2016 for you?
Anna: The local ten mile time trial I road with my back brake on the whole way. Was a good training work out at least!

5. What is the piece of equipment/clothing that you are looking forward to most in 2017?
Anna: Drops has some of the top equipment sponsors on board, all of which I am looking forward to using next year. But I am most looking forward to getting my new Trek Emonda road bike. The Drops signature Miami Green colour scheme easily makes it one of the coolest bikes in the peloton.

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6. What is your warm up routine for races – rollers or turbo? Music or no music?
Anna: For most road races I don’t usually do a warm up, as they are long enough to get warmed up during the race. The only exception to this is if the race has a climb from the off or something like that. I am definitely a lover of the music to get in the zone.

7. What’s your favourite discipline on the road; road racing/crits/time trials and why?
Anna: Road racing is what I’ve always enjoyed the most. I don’t mind a time trial too, I like that it’s just you out there on the road doing the best that you can do.

8. When will you start training for 2017 and what comes first – long steady miles or a mix of miles and efforts?
Anna: Training for 2017 is already underway, as I am starting racing a lot earlier than usual next year. After a few weeks of down time in October I started training 1st November. I recently spent 10 days out in Girona getting the base miles in and finding fitness again. December will now be spent at home on the Isle of Man with more of the same long miles and efforts.

9. What are the goals for 2017?
Anna: My goals for next year are to perform well in stage races, where I can hopefully target an overall or stage result. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the varied race programme that Drops can offer me.

10. Does winter training consist only of riding the bike or running/swimming/gym work (cross training)?
Anna: After my few weeks down time I attempted some running, as I think most people do. But quickly realised why I am a cyclist and not a runner! However I like to do some gym work over the winter just to keep the core and everything strong, so I do a few sessions in the gym around the bike work. The bike riding being the main focus of course.

11. Finally, what have you learnt over the years to best deal with the winter months on a bike!
Anna: Definitely the kit you wear. You can’t go without some good gloves and over shoes to keep you warm and dry. It makes the long winter miles much more bearable when you can still feel your toes and fingers!

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