A question and answer feature with Bethan Stubbs of the Women’s Bikeshed Bianchi racing team
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Feature: Bethan Stubbs Q & A
L-R Bethan Stubbs, Emma Cockcroft, Alex Sheehan with Bianchi XR1
1. When will you start your road season and what will be the first race?
Bethan: The season kicks off on 21st Feb with a local stage race organised by one of my teammates – Jess Duffy.
2. What races will be your targets for 2016 and why?
Bethan: The Modbury Road Race. This is my local RR and with the course being 20 miles away, hopefully I’ll be able to do a few recce rides prior to the race. It tends to attract riders from further afield and it’s always nice to have new faces with whom to race.
The BUCS Team Time Trial as well. This will be my last university race so would really like to win a medal. Last year we came very close which will really spur us on to succeeding this time!
And the Bedford 3 day. The prospect of a 3 day event is really exciting. With all our team members being based in the South West, it’s fairly easy for us to meet up and ride together. Hopefully this will be advantageous for us, particularly in the team time trial.
3. How will you spend the time on the bike between now and your first race in training?
Bethan: After 6 weeks off the bike in early Autumn, I’ve recently just been working on building back up the miles. Now I think it’s time to start doing some top end efforts. These are also easier to fit in around my medical school placements.
4. What was your favourite Xmas present?
Bethan: A new saddle!
5. When it rains, which it’s doing a lot right now, is it turbo time or wrap up and get wet?
Bethan: Wrap up and get wet! Have to admit I tend to accept that I’ll get wet so don’t even waterproof up, but overshoes are always useful as having wet and cold feet is just the worst!
6. If you could do any race in the world including the best ones in the world etc, what would it be and why?
Bethan: Somewhere with guaranteed sun! The Tour Down Under looks great and I would love to visit Australia again and experience the spectacular scenery.
7. What piece of food can you not do without where ever you are on the road during the season?
Bethan: Bananas.
8. What is your favourite music track when warming up for a race or on the turbo?
Bethan: Arctic Monkeys – Brainstorm
9. If given the option, would you prefer normal brakes or disc brakes on your road bike?
Bethan: Having previously done mountain biking, you can’t beat the responsiveness of disc brakes.
10. What’s the spec of your race bike for 2016 and your favourite bits on it?Â
Bethan: Bianchi Oltre XR1 in iconic Celeste. The Ultegra gearing shifters are my favourite part. After using old 105 over winter, it’s a welcome change to be able to shift gears quickly and smoothly.
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