Introducing...
Every month, we introduce one of the Kingston Wheelers. May 2005's candidate is Mark Poole. He rode the 2004 Etape du Tour, the longest ever but after 50 miles he "hit the wall", leaving him some 100 miles to ride over gruelling terrain. An experience like this would be enough to make some give up cycling but Mark joined the Kingston Wheelers and has started racing.
Riding L'Etape du Tour in 2003
Name: Mark Poole
Age: 33
Significant Others: Partner Christine.
What made you start cycling? Watching Greg Lemond battle it out in the tour with Fignon back in 1990. In my teenage view of the world, here was a sport that looked quite exotic and alot more exciting than the diet of football and rugby I had been brought up on.
Why did you join Kingston Wheelers? Saw the website, went for a few Sunday club runs. Seemed a friendly lot and an active racing contingent which I am keen to join.
Date you joined the Club: February 2005
Who is your favourite pro or inspiration? Has to be Greg Lemond (see above). He took the sport into the modern era, introducing tri-bars in time trials, tear-drop helmets and massive salaries! Also Lance Armstrong for what he has achieved and his focus. I know, two Americans...
What bike do you ride? Scott MTB with slicks for commuting to work. Bottechia for road. Still have an old Tommassini bought with a student loan(!) over 10 years ago which I can't bring myself to part with even though I never use it! Am in the process of building a new race bike around an Orbea Orca frame
Give us a brief cycling background: Started back in 1990. Cycled on and off for the next 12 years or so, but never raced. Have got more consistent over the last couple of years, having done the L'etape du Tour for the last 2 years running. Decided to try and start racing this year before I get too old ...
What was your best performance? 2003 L'Etape du Tour on a diet largely composed of commuting to work. Furthest I had ever cycled, 200km or so. Finished strong and reasonably fresh, unlike the two mates I did it with!
What was your worst day on the bike? 2004 L'Etape du Tour. Overconfidence from last year I think. Hit the wall with 50 miles and some of the hardest climbs to go. Soldiered on, thinking I would get swept up by the broom wagon. Managed to finish ahead of it, but have never felt so wasted on the bike. Lesson learnt.
What is your favourite race food? Prefer natural refuelling, bananas, healthy fruit bars etc.
Where is your favourite cycling location? The classic Tour climbs in the Pyrenees or Alps.
Most likely to say: "I hate the bloody cold."
Least likely to say: "This sports easy innit?"
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