Introducing...
Every month, we introduce one of the Kingston Wheelers. This month's candidate boldly claims that he "never troubles finish judges" in races. If only the rest of us could manage to solo away from the bunch each time.
Name: Graham Sheridan
Age: 34
Significant Others: Nicky, Conor & Thomas, and my extended family of dependents at W.F. Holdsworth Cycles.
What made you start cycling? I have always had a bike, I cannot remember back to the time when I didn't have one, but my mum tells me I got my first bike aged two, so I've never really not cycled. My interest in racing came about as a result of the success of Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche through the 1980s. I grew up in Dublin, and at that time there were 4 Irish professionals racing in Europe. Roche's successes in 1987 (Giro, Tour and World Championship) saw an explosion in interest in cycling, and I was part of that. I was playing a lot of rugby then, so cycling was really my summer sport. It was great to get out into the hills and simply enjoy riding. I gave up cycling when I came to London in 1994, as career was my main priority then.
Why did you join Kingston Wheelers? I got back into cycling just before I finished my Master's Degree in 1998, having put on quite a bit of weight over the four previous years of relative inactivity. I walked into Holdsworths in Putney and bought a road bike in February 1998, and within a few months I was looking for a club to join. Holdsworths suggested I try the Wheelers, as they knew John Bornhoft quite well, as he went into the shop every week on his way home from work. I got in touch with Tim and then Coco, and met John on a club run, and I joined up. It felt like the right club for me from the very start.
Date you joined the Club: Early 1999.
Who is your favourite pro or inspiration? A few really: Sean Kelly because of his determination; Paul Kimmage because of his honesty; Lance Armstrong because of what he has done on and off the bike. I thought Thomas Voeckler had a good Tour too.
What bike do you ride? Depends what I'm doing; Sigma Nemesis with a Dura-Ace groupset when I'm road racing, I have a Fort TT bike for dual-carriageway jaunts and a Coppi Galaxy with a triple for training and the Etape. I have my eye on a Time VXR for 2005.
Give us a brief cycling background: See above. I have also ridden a few road races over the last few years, including the VCM 2-day in April 2003, but have never troubled the finish judges. I also enjoy (if that's the right word) time-trials, particularly on the Bentley course. It seems that having two small children is incompatible with winning BCF points and improving TT performances, but I'll keep trying until I get there.
What was your best performance? Finishing the Etape.
What was your worst performance? Riding the Etape. You can read what I thought about the Etape elsewhere on the site, but it will be different next time!
What is your favourite race food? Post Etape - Bananas, can't really stomach any more Powerbars or gel.
Where is your favourite cycling location? Wicklow, and after the Etape, the Auvergne in France.
Most likely to say: "Please don't trash your new kit by crashing..."
Least likely to say: "I love climbing."
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