Interview: Scotland's Craig MacLean

 

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For Craig MacLean you sense that the Commonwealth Games is major showcase event where he will look to make up for the disappointments in 2004 and 2005. Craig, the fastest man over a standing start lap on a 250 track (17.59) has nothing to prove but does seem to have a lot of unfinished business on his mind.

 

In the Worlds in 2002 he was part of the World Championship winning team (Team Sprint) and of course, also won many World Championship medals before and after that including a Silver at the Sydney Olympics.

At the Commonwealth Games he expects to be doing the Kilometre and the Team Sprint but adds that he may also ride the Sprint depending on how he feels his form is. Craig is the current British Sprint champion. As for pre-event nerves, he says "Any major event will always be stressful, but if you're confident in your preparation then the nerves will only help you."

Craig is currently in Perth (Australia) preparing for the Games and going out early he says has been useful in helping to get over jet lag early. "In Perth, it's been pretty hot which I've struggled with at the start but hopefully it's not compromised my training too much. We have an indoor track about 30 minutes drive away which is good, but again its a very different shape from the one we will be racing on in Melbourne. What has been useful is being able to focus purely on my cycling. It's too easy to do too much at home (other than training) so being here has allowed me to get the quality recovery I need."

Craig has also been able to get a little racing in Perth. "We had a good race here in Perth last weekend where we rode as Scotland and did a PB for the Team Sprint. To knock out a time like that without a taper and full kit was really good for our confidence this close to the Games."

Finally, when asked what the best and worst things were to be in away from home for so long, Craig answered "I miss lots of things about being away from home, for one my girlfriend. When you're at home, you can leave the track and switch off, but out here when we are all living together your are completely immersed in it which can be difficult at times".

We wish Craig lots of luck for the Commonwealth Games and thank him for taking the time to talk to us.