Surviva

Age

29

Sport:

Cyclo-cross

Career highlights / achievements:

• 5 times National Cyclo-cross champion
• 3rd European Championships 2009
• 5th World Championships 2006
• 4 World Cup podiums

What is it about cyclo-cross that you enjoy the most?

I love how hard the racing is and how different every single race is and can even be within a single race. Normally the strongest rider wins and you don’t have to think about the racing just race as hard as you possibly can.

How many hours a week do you usually train?

It depends on the time of year but a standard week would be between 15 and 20 hours training on the bike, then another 5 hours a week of off the bike training like running, core stability work and weights. I think it’s important to train the whole body if you want to get the most out of it.

What training do you do other than cycling?

Oops, just answered that one! I run for the cyclo-cross season as although its not essential I find when you do have to run in a race you can recover easier than when you don’t do running training. Plus I am a physiotherapist so really believe in the importance of core stability work. If your core is unable to work efficiently the next level of muscles have to take on their job and so the outer layer of muscle have to work even harder to do that job and your body fatigues sooner. Simple! I also do static upper body (mainly) weights so I can lift and carry the bike easier in the winter.

Do you have any pre-race rituals or things you usually do just before a race?

Not really no, although I do have a cuddly toy mascot who has to come everywhere with me if that counts.

Goals for 2010-11 and beyond?

Its important for me to get back on the podium of the world cup races and my mechanic wants to go the prize presentation for a big UCI series in Belgium called the Gazet Van Antwerp series so I have to get in the top 3 overall of that too, ha ha!

What is your top tip for anyone starting out in cyclo-cross?

Just have fun, don’t be afraid to crash and always try to learn something from every race and you will naturally get better at it.

Why do you think so few women participate in cycling compared to men?

I don’t think we have had a lot of role models for womens cycling in the past although now with riders such as Victoria Pendleton becoming celebrities in their own rite maybe it can be seen as more glamorous and girls will start to participate although there is a lack of women in sport across many sports, I don’t think cycling is unique in this.w

If you weren't doing cyclo-cross what would you be doing instead?

I guess I’d be a physiotherapist working for the NHS probably in orthopedics or neurological rehabilitation, having nice holidays and being able to buy what ever I want at the time ha ha ha!!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Mostly hang out with friends and my husband, going for coffee and clothes shopping!

Most embarrassing sporting moment?

Training on a course the day before Roubaix World Cup I came up to a steep descent that was very slippery and the mens Italian national champion was stood at the top. Not wanting to slow down, I shouted for him to move over which he did, and I rode straight down the hill. I just managed to hold it up and just as I thought I had got away with it I used too much brake and flew like superman straight over the bars in front of him! Oops!

Interesting fact/skill you have that most people don't know about you?

I am a qualified acupuncturist!

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Testimonial:

I often train and race in cold conditions. Cycling in winter means that if I puncture or crash I need a SURVIVA JAK to keep warm. I also take one with me when I’m mountain biking in case of emergencies, it is so small and light that I can easily fit it in my pocket.