Andy Murray
The tennis star has used indoor bikes in training throughout his career but lockdown got him out on a real bike, which opened the door to adventures near his Surrey home...
IN VERSUS OUT
“Prior to the spring lockdown, most of my bike experience had been on a Wattbike. It’s been the best way to do my cardio workouts away from the tennis court because it’s much better for my joints than running. For my birthday in May my wife bought me a Cube Attain. I was getting a bit fed up with being in the gym all the time and it proved to be a great gift. We live very close to the Surrey Hills, which are a great challenge.”
TESTING TIMES
“Nobody looks forward to those fitness tests that take you to the edge of your limit, but I have always found a strange enjoyment in them. I’m a data-driven person and I think understanding what you’re capable of and being able to record it in a way that means you can measure your progress is so important.”
WITH COMPLEMENTS
Tennis and cycling both involve prolonged periods of aerobic stamina followed by short bursts of anaerobic activity. The battle against your mind is also a similarity I like, and comparable to a tough climb, having the ability to dig in when things are really starting to hurt is vital to succeeding.”
FIT FOR PURPOSE
“I actually quite like the tighter fitting clothing of cycling. I’m a huge believer that whatever apparel you are wearing should always help, not hinder you – that’s true for any sport I participate in. I’ve always worn compression gear under my tennis clothes, so the tighter fitting cycling gear wasn’t too much of an issue. I also like speed, so the more aero the better!”
MOUNTAIN HIGH
“There are so many incredible places that the tennis tour visits. but to ride a bike I’d suggest somewhere like Gstaad in the Swiss Alps. It’s a ski resort for most of the year but the roads into and out of it are incredible, so I’m sure I’d have some fun out there in the summer.”
This interview was set up with the help of Andy’s sponsor TRR Nutrition. He uses their Advanced Collagen supplement drink during his training