Dani Rowe MBE

A three-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist, Dani still cycles regularly but takes to the road in a new pursuit these days: marathon running

CHANGE LANE

“I’ve switched from riding to running and I just completed the Manchester half marathon for Wiggle. I was aiming for under 1hr 50mins and I did it on the day in 1hr 42mins, so I’m actually really pleased with that. I suffered two stress fractures soon after taking up running, which ruled me out of the London Marathon, but I’m aiming to run it next year.”

FUN RUNS

“I’m still cycling, but under my own terms since retiring from competitive racing. I did London to Paris this year and I usually get out for a couple of hours at a time with friends, though I’m a fairweather rider now. We cycle out from my home in Cardiff, either on the flats of Newport or out to Chepstow and Usk on lanes – there’s a great climb at Shirenewton, too.”

BONE SHAKER

“I find that running is much tougher on the body than cycling, especially after I spent 14 years just on the bike. The pounding of running is relentless, and you don’t get the micro rests you get when cycling. I’ve not run two consecutive days and don’t train anywhere like I did as a cyclist, but I found that doing plyometric drills (quick, explosive movements) at the gym has built up my ability to handle the impact.”

MIXED SPORT

“I’ve always been a complete fitness nut and, although my diet isn’t anywhere near as regimented as it was when I was cycling professionally, I’m still watching what I eat and drink. I’m also swimming and I recently completed a swim of the Serpentine in Hyde Park as part of [sporting challenge] the London Classics – I rode the Surrey 100 as part of that event too.”

BEST BIKE

“I’m riding a WyndyMilla custom bike now and I have to say that it’s the most comfortable I’ve ever been on a bike. I’m using disc brakes for the first time as well and finding that I really enjoy riding a lot. I wish I’d had the bike a lot sooner!”