WATT WORKS FOR ME Ben Tulett

The double junior cross world champion on making it to the top level on the road

- David Bradford

How did you get started in cycling?

It was through my dad [Allister] who was a keen amateur cyclist. It was natural that as I grew up I went to watch him race. It started from there. He had a passion for road cycling, mountain bike and cyclo-cross, with a focus on the cyclocross. I was four years old when I did my first cyclo-cross race! Through the summer I’d be at Crystal Palace on a Tuesday evening, and then in the winter I’d do the London Cyclo-Cross League each Sunday.

Do you think it’s important for aspiring racers to mix up the disciplines as you did?

Yes, certainly – first of all, to really experience all of cycling because it’s so much more than just one discipline. It’s really important for development because each discipline teaches you different skills. They all complement each other: off-road skills from the cyclo-cross, fitness from the road, technical skills from the MTB. Mixing it up keeps it fun and interesting too.

So your dad’s influence as mentor was fundamental?

Yes, without my dad I wouldn’t be where I am today. He invested a massive amount of time to allow me to pursue my dream of being a professional cyclist – I’m eternally grateful to him for that. He’s still a role model and still gives me advice, though it’s more on a personal level now rather than as a coach.