Ben Swift

The UAE Emirates rider on his sprinting inspiration and why he's working on his Italian

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What’s your favourite race?

It’s quite a difficult one, but I think the worlds: the whole atmosphere, the build up and the tension that goes with it. You’re also representing your country so it’s quite special. I used to take riding in the national jersey a little bit for granted when I was in the BC [British Cycling] Academy and wore it every day for three years.

What’s your favourite climb?

I used to have favourite climbs, but I’ve not liked them much this year. One back home that I train on is called the Surprise - I don’t know why. It was used in the Tour of Britain a couple of years ago and it all kicked off there. [It’s a 2.4km, 6.4 per cent climb out of Hathersage, south west of Sheffield].

Who’s the best domestique in the peloton?