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Question Time with Gabby Day

Story posted October 21, 2010

A versatile rider who races at the highest level in cyclo-cross, road racing and mountain biking, Gabby Day is one of the country's top female riders and we get to know her via a question and answer session with the Team ChainStay rider.

Q: What is your background in cycling?
Gabby Day: I started cycling when I was 15 riding for my local club, Velo Club Lincoln until 2004. Previous to this, I had been a competitive runner competing at a high level in cross-country, track and road. In 2005, I rode for Team FBUK which progressed onto team Global Racing. These teams gave me a great opportunity to try out European racing and get a feel for the bigger scene and since then my career has progressed.

In 2001 I came 3rd in the National Junior Road Race Champs and in 2005 was 2nd in the Under 23 National Road Champs. The disciplines I compete in now are cyclo cross, mountain biking and road racing. I have represented Great Britain in four cyclo-cross World championships. My best placing in a cyclo-cross World Cup is 9th.

Q: How long have you been involved in the sport and what was your first event?
GD: I have been involved in cycling now for nine years and within that, competing for seven years. My first race was a crit in Lincoln where I beat a lot of the boys!
 
Q: What would you like to achieve in the next five years?
GD: I would like to become a stronger rider and to keep improving. In my cyclo-cross season, I would like to be on the podium in World Cup races and win the Nationals. I also want to progress in mountain biking. I only started racing mountain bikes this year, so I am looking forward to progressing further. For me, it is important to aim high and focus on that goal to get the best possible result and ultimately achieve my goal.

Q: What are your strongest skills in racing?
GD: I would say that I am a good all rounder. In cyclo-cross my strong points are my technical skills and fast start. In mountain biking, my strength and climbing are my strong points.

Q: What would you say is your most prized cycling possession?
GD: It would have to be my first Great Britain skin suit as it is always very exciting when you are selected to represent your country. I would probably also say my first National medal. I am also very proud of my two amazing Scott Addict cyclo-cross bikes.

Q: What would you class as your best ride or result to date and why?
GD: In cyclo-cross, it would have to be the 9th in Holland and 10th in Koksijde (Belgium) in the World Cup series. When I was younger, I would have said my first National Series win, as it was a solo win by three minutes.

Q: Who is your favourite sports person and why?
GD: My favourite sports person as a young girl was Kelly Holmes. She competed in the same disciplines as me and I thought she was a fantastic athlete. I still admire her. Cycling wise, Marianne Vos and Hanka Kupfernagel, they have both achieved amazing results.

Q: Have you got any advice for any young people thinking of getting involved in cycling?
GD: I think for a young person, the main thing is to just go out there and enjoy it and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

Q: How do you prepare for a race and how do you unwind afterwards?
GD: I like to relax by reading and listening to music. Making sure I am resting with my feet up before a big race is important preparation. Music is a big part of my prep before big races it helps me to relax and focus.

Q: Can you tell us about your new cyclo cross team 'The ChainStay'.
GD: The ChainStay is a cycling guest house located in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes. It is a fantastic setup and I am very lucky to have great sponsorship support from Holly and Gregg of ChainStay. I also have a great group of sponsors that have kitted me out with amazing stuff.

I have the best bikes- Scott Addicts and superb components in Sram and Ritchey and my chains are kept lubricated with Squirt Dry chain lube. My nutrition is covered by For Goodness Shakes which makes recovery after hard training easy. I have stylish shoes from Northwave too! Having all this amazing support allows me to focus solely on my training and racing which is very important. I can just focus on the positive influences around me and try to get the best out of myself in all my races. So I am very excited for the season ahead.

www.gabbyday.com