Rider Interview - Roy Hunt

The name Roy Hunt is synonymous with the sport of Cyclo-Cross. He's a multiple national champion and in 2009, whilst threatening retirement, he came second in the National Trophy Series. What can we expect to see from this grand-vet legend on the eve of the 2010 season?

CyclingtrainingUK caught up with Roy to find out a little more about the man behind the racing persona, retirement, and his thoughts on the future of the sport.

So where did it all start? Why do you race? Why cross?

As a kid we used to race round the block, we used to go out with mates and ride all over Bolton. From there met up with a rider on a ride and next thing you know we were out on the chain-gangs which then lead to racing. Cross? As a kid always liked getting muddy and running just seemed the natural thing to do.

What would you rate as your most memorable match and your proudest moment?

Very difficult too many, but if we are sticking to cross I think there are two which stand out. First over 50 win at Abergavenny, where after the first 200yds I hit the deck, got up, brake leaver bent, chain off. Jumped back on and lap by lap started to get people back on an extremely muddy course, bike change every lap. So Carol used her charm and got someone to jet wash the bike and have it ready. And with a lap to go I was up to third, 500mtrs to go I was in the lead. Secondly, Southampton 4yrs ago – 4 weeks before the race a car knocked me off the bike and I was unconscious for 10mins. I was off work for two weeks lying on the couch for most of that time. Distraught and knackered but, being as I am, decided to race and got back on the bike, had a crap ride and thought the nationals were a no go. But again being slightly stupid deicide to have one more ride and decide after racing that there was a vast improvement, so I decided to race the national. I turned up very apprehensive, again a very wet, muddy day. Myself and Martin Booth got away, he was breathing down my neck and with 2 laps to go he was out in front. But to my advantage there was a long muddy drag and I knew the only place I would get him back was on this part of the course. With a lap to go I caught and passed him!

What was your first major success?

First ever event was a hilly time trial. I was 16 yrs old and had never raced before. I came 3rd against all the seniors, only 1m 30sec off the leader on an extremely hilly course: and that was the start of it!

In 2009 you raced MTB cross country, Enduro and Cross, coming second in the National Trophy Series. How do you find the disciplines complement each other and how did you prepare mentally for racing all year round?

The disciplines are very similar in that you are racing maximum effort from the start and it can be muddy, technical and hilly. The difficulty in racing and training all year is that in our bad winter you're training in the wet, cold and dark. You really need a mixture of turbo and fun cross training.

Moving on from racing what are your thoughts about training and fitness in cross?

Thinking back to 2009 and previous years, how did you structure your training? Did you use a power meter or heart rate monitor? Are they essential tools to remain competitive at the highest level?

(As above.)

How much of your training would you set aside for technical practice? Outline what a general training week would be for.

Once a week during the cross season, one of the training session would involve good technique.

How do you fit racing and training around your working schedule and how does it affect family life?

What are your goals for the 2010/11 season?

Just get back to winning races.

How much of racing at your level is talent vs. hard work and dedication?

It's a mixture of all three.

And diet - do you have a scientific approach?

I take a sensible approach; I don't follow any diet plans.

What's your favourite post-ride meal? If there were no consequences, what would be your vice?

I don't really have a post ride meal but cream cakes are my weakness!

What advice would you give a young rider that really wants to be good at cross?

I don't just train for speed; technique on and off the bike, running, pit changes, right gearing, tyre choice, and knowing when and where to ease up on courses are just as important.

You are the father of Amy (Hunt) who has achieved a lot of success in the sport. Do you have any advice to racing parents on how to maintain their kid's interest in cycling?

Don't be too pushy and also don't assume the only way to make is to be on the talent team etc. It's not the end if you're not. Let them enjoy it and also they need to have a life outside on cycling.

Single or double ring? What's your gearing? Bike geeks want to know!

If you are young single teaches you how to ride. My gearing is 39/46 – 12/27. Also to keep the costs down single is a good option.

Favourite cross tires?

700c and muddy – Michelin mud's unless its dry then its Vittoria XN needle tread. But without a doubt the Dugasto Rhino is king.

Number of bikes you own? Separate race and training bikes? You ever ride a single speed or fixed?

No room for a single speed bike. I'm a great believer in riding every type of bike – I have about 15 bikes!

Any embarrassing or funny stories you'd care to share with us?

Winning the first 24 hour solo race! Afterward I could not even bend down to take my shoes off, dry myself, or climb the podium steps: I had to lie down on the motor home floor because I couldn't sit in the seat or drive as I had blisters on my feet!! I Said I would never do it again and ended up doing another 5 of them!!!

Most common tyre pressure for you in cross?

There isn't one. The right way to do it is to pump your tyres up and do a lap of the course to see where you are or aren't getting grip, either take pressure out or put more in and do another lap.

What's your pet-peeve of other racers?

When they use tactics which are not sporting to gain an advantage and not let their ability do the talking.

How would you like to be described by your competitors?

The tough cookie that you can't mess with!

How do you think your competitors describe you? Are you friends with any of them?

Describe me as above! Yes, friends with a few of them.

Have you any advice to promoters/clubs on how to keep cross growing?

Keep looking for courses, get schools involved, and just be aware cross is still the easiest event to put on - it attracts 5-75yr olds. It's still the friendliest part of the sport - you're always racing someone if you're first or last! It's a good spectator sport.