HOW CYCLING CHANGED MY LIFE...
Cycling was a last throw of the dice in a bid to get fit – it proved to be a winning one...
WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE BEFORE THE BIKE?
I’d never been into sport at school and tried everything from the gym to football and running to get fit when I was older. About five years ago I started riding a mountain bike to get around and things began to change.
HOW DID CYCLING CHANGE YOUR LIFE?
I was riding the mountain bike on roads and figured it wasn’t the done thing, but I was enjoying it – especially hill climbs. I bought a road bike and things took off.
HOW DID YOUR DIET CHANGE?
In the past two years I’ve taken cycling more seriously and the weight loss has been a side benefit. I still enjoy a beer but I watch what I eat during training – I recommend porridge for energy and to help manage weight. I have High5 energy snacks on rides and I eat a lot more fruit and vegetables, too, which boosts my immunity during the cycling ‘season’.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU RIDE?
Around work and family I get out at weekends for 3-5-hour road rides, I’ve got three bikes including a Trek Émonda, plus a Wattbike that’s been a real help over the winter especially, enabling me to do hour-long highintensity sessions at home.
WHAT HAS CYCLING HELPED YOU ACHIEVE?
I’ve done some major challenges, including London to Paris, L’Etape du Tour in the French Alps and RideLondon-Surrey 100 last year. This June I’m doing the Dragon Tour in Wales and HotChillee Alpine Challenge in aid of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research charity, harrisonsfund.com.
TOP TIP
Cut back on the beer, as it’s just empty calories. I try to eat well during the week, so three meals a day and only healthy snacks. At the weekends I eat what I fancy. Has cycling changed your life? Email us at cyclingplus@immediate.co.uk