Question Time: Illi Gardner (Brother UK/Tifosi)

Category 2 rider Illi Gardner who rode for YRDP in 2018 and had a best result of 5th on GC in the Tour de Feminin – O cenu Českého Švýcarska (2.2)  will be in new colours in 2019 when she joins Brother UK/Tifosi p/b Onform team – Illi takes the VeloUK Q & A

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Question Time: Illi Gardner (Brother UK/Tifosi)

Category 2 rider Illi Gardner who rode for YRDP in 2018 and had a best result of 5th on GC in the Tour de Feminin – O cenu Českého Švýcarska (2.2)  will be in new colours in 2019 when she joins Brother UK/Tifosi p/b Onform team – Illi takes the VeloUK Q & A

VeloUK: How did you get into the sport of cycling?
Illi: I used to be a swimmer & runner and did triathlons for a few years before deciding to focus on cycling.

VeloUK: Full time rider, student or working?
Illi: Student at University of South Wales studying Visual Effects & Motion Graphics.

VeloUK: Best result for you in 2018?
Illi: 5th GC Tour de Feminin (UCI 2.2).

VeloUK: Best organised/fun race you did in 2018?
Illi: I really enjoyed the Tour de Feminin in the Czech Republic. Salisbury Tour Series was also well-organised and had a great atmosphere to go with the tough racing.

VeloUK: Toughest race of 2018?
Illi: Tour Cycliste Féminin International de l’Ardèche (UCI 2.1)…never done anything like it!

VeloUK: Best moment in a race or funniest moment in a race in 2018?
Illi: Getting lost in a building site during a thunderstorm in a race in Brittany –funny in hindsight but not brilliant at the time!
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VeloUK: Do you train alone or have others to help you get through the ride?
Illi: I’m really lucky to have lots of training partners and good group rides near me.

VeloUK: In the winter, training on the road or indoors?
Illi: Both–I usually a few long group rides along with some short turbo workouts every week. 10. How many hours on the bike can you fit in during an average winter training week? 15-20

VeloUK: Is there any off the bike training (running/swimming/gym etc)?
Illi: I occasionally run and swim but not as much as I’d like to! I also try to walk a fair bit.

VeloUK: Do you train with any gadgets (Heart rate/power) or just go on ‘feel’ of the ride?
Illi: I train with power now but did not for the duration of the 2018 season.

VeloUK: Are you eager to race again or happy to wait for the first to come along in 2019?
Illi: I’m really looking forward to getting back into racing.
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VeloUK: Are you doing anything different in training this winter than last one?
Illi: Last winter was very unstructured as I didn’t have a coach but this year has been a good combination of long miles and shorter interval sessions.

VeloUK: Which races are you looking forward to most in 2019
Illi: I’m looking forward to the National Series as I know some of the courses now. I also hope to do some UCI/stage races, both in the UK and abroad.

VeloUK: Favourite pre race meal?
Illi: Porridge any time of the day!

VeloUK:Favourite race drink?
Illi: I usually just drink water to go with gels.

VeloUK: Best one thing you learned about racing in 2018?
Illi: I learnt the importance of positioning especially after racing in much bigger fields than I have ever before in Europe.

VeloUK: Favourite professional to watch on tele (male or female) and favourite race(s) you like to watch and inspire you?
Illi: There isn’t anyone in particular that I like to watch but I enjoy watching the grand tours and whenever women’s events are televised. La Course this year was definitely a highlight!

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