Your debut WorldTour season has been kiboshed by Covid-19, but you did get in quite a bit of racing in January and February – how did it go?
The start in Australia [Tour Down Under] was eye-opening – the level of racing and the pressure. Every day was full-on, and beyond the first day, I was uncomfortable all day, but it was a great learning experience. The Tour of Provence was even more eye-opening – the level of the climbing was pretty mad; all I could do was try to hang on for as long as possible!
Taking the step up, what’s the most striking change?
The level of performance. If you’re not at your best, you’re on the back foot and suffering. For example, [Nairo] Quintana in Provence was on another level. There’s also the pressure around each race, knowing that every result counts. Then again, the races can be easier to predict than an under-23 or Conti race. In the WorldTour, you’re just not sure whether it’s going to be hard or ridiculously hard!
Do you see yourself as a Classics specialist?
This story is from the June 04, 2020 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 04, 2020 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Claud Butler Criterium
A classic British brand ridden by beginners and Olympians alike
Dr Hutch
At what point does a bold show of strength become brazen showboating? The Doc ponders the etiquette of the long solo break
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...CBD
From reducing pain to promoting relaxation and sleep, myriad are the claims made for cannabidiol but do they stack up? Rob Kemp finds out
Van Rysel D900
Andy Turner discovers whether Decathlon's high-spec, low-price smart trainer can compete with the likes of Wahoo, Tacx and Elite
What prep does my bike need for summer?
Pro bike mechanic Glen Whittington shares his tips for the successful de-hibernation of your bike
2024 GIRO D'ITALIA
Attention turns to Italy and 21 days of Grand Tour action
Pogačar's dominance at the Giro could be dull
While I may have been a little young to understand the full romance of the Tour de France during the Armstrong era, I never understood the sentiment that it was boring just because of Lance's dominance.
Team GB's Paris Olympics track bike launched
BC reveals the bike that it hopes will power riders to medals in Paris this summer
Romandie victory marks Ineos return to stage race success
Carlos Rodríguez wins British team's first WorldTour stage race since 2022, writes Adam Becket
Is pro racing getting more dangerous?
There are many factors that contribute to the perceived greater risks. One that does not get any attention is the greater importance of UCI points and the need to constantly collect them to avoid relegation.