What is your background in cycling?
Started MTB locally in Guernsey towards end of 1994 then road cycling in 1997 so I could participate in the Island Games, an event held every 2 years – this was the first time women’s cycling was included. We only did time trial and I was really chuffed to get a bronze medal. Since then won the National Hill Climb Championship in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and other Island Games medals. More information on my website: www.abcyclecoaching.com.
How long have you been involved in the sport & what was your first event?
First ever event in 1994 was a local MTB race. I only did it because someone called me chicken for not giving it a go. Red rag to a bull!
What would you like to achieve in the next 5 years?
I’d like to achieve a World Masters medal. My interest is also in coaching. I coach a young rider that did the CW Games for Guernsey called James McLaughlin and we are working towards helping him become a pro rider. He rode really well in the CW Games with a 20th in the road race and 17th in the time trial. Not bad for someone that has only spent 8 weeks off the Island racing away.
What are your strongest points?
Power to weight, mental strength and pain threshold.
What would you say is your most prized cycling possession?
That’s a tough one, I do like my Giant TCR road bike. Even the guys seem impressed with it and they are fixated on kit.
What would you class as your best ride or position to date & why?
Hmm, difficult to choose one but probably my 5th place in the 2004 National 25mile Time Trial. It was a shock to do that well. Despite a dreadful journey to the event, somehow I pulled out a good ride. Time trialling is weakest discipline so for me that was a great result.
Who is your favourite sports person & why?
Kelly Holmes, she’s a tough cookie. I’ve always enjoyed watching athletics on the track. I do love to see our track guys and girls do so well too and have always followed Nicole Cooke’s career ,particularly as we both rode for MI Racing at the same time years ago.
Have you got any advice for any young people thinking of getting involved in cycling?
Do it because you enjoy it.
How do you relax after a race?
I don’t have much time to relax but I do like to go to Costa with my man or my friends.
Tell us about how you felt about representing Guernsey for the Commonwealth Games this year in Delhi?
We are a small Island, 23 miles all the way around the Island with a population of about 65,000. It’s a big thing to represent Guernsey in an event like this. I felt very privileged particularly to be so fortunate in a country with so much poverty. It’s quite humbling.
