Interview: David Fletcher

Images & Words: Joolze Dymond

Posted: 10 Feb 2009

Back in 2007, as a junior rider, David Fletcher made headline news as he became only the fourth GB rider to secure a medal at a World Cross-Country Championship. In front of a huge home crowd, at Fort William, Fletcher rode to a composed third spot to forever write his name in the mountain bike history books. Only Nicole Cooke, Liam Killeen and David Baker have gone there before, so this talented young rider is in good company. But was this young rider just a flash in the pan? Well the resounding answer is no!

David started his career back at a very early age, when a visit to Sherwood Pines kicked it all off:

"I started riding quite a long time ago, I can't quite remember my first bike, it was too long ago, but I remember my first race! I was about 6 I reckon, I was in Sherwood Pines with my family and there just happened to be a race on, so I decided to have a go, I came last, but I really, really enjoyed it! We found out after that one that there was a series of races, one every week, so I went and rode them and gradually got better and better. I think my first win was when I was 8, I guess by then I was hooked Not long after that we discovered the National XC Points Series and I used to go along for the peewee races, did a few of them and I gradually improved again. The more I did, the more I wanted to do and the more I improved. I just carried on going to races and just kept getting better, and better and better. I just saw it as a bit of fun and really enjoyed myself."

Obviously there was something about mountain biking that hit a nerve, even though he came last in his first race. Instead of throwing in the towel, which a lot of kids that age would have been tempted to do, that first experience gave the young David a thirst for competition and his competitive nature became stronger with each outing:

"Despite coming last I loved the challenge and the competition, I was hooked. After I finished that race, my immediate thoughts were, 'when can I come back and beat them'? My natural competitive streak became stronger and sometimes I have taken it a bit far, like in school, when I used to play cards and made sure I would win every time. So yeah I am quite competitive in everything I do now, but that isn't apparent unless you see me race or play me on a computer game!"

I chatted with young Fletch' at the recent Cyclo-Cross World Champs were he once again showed his class, riding a calculated and controlled race, finishing in 17th spot just 59secs off the winning rider in the Espoir race. Although this placing may not sound too brilliant you have to realise that this was after coming into the 'Cross season in December: in other words, when most riders were coming towards the end of their seasons, Fletcher was just beginning. On the way to the worlds, he picked up a National Espoir 'Cross title. This only added to a plethora of National titles he has picked up over the years, including three in mountain biking - winning the junior, espoir and youth categories once each - along with two 'Cross national titles, one as a junior and now one as an Espoir. Although 'Cross is undoubtedly a love of his, this 'block' of winter racing was in itself a means to an end and his focus is mainly MTB.

January 2009 and David claims the national Under-23 (Espoir) Cyclo-Cross title

David is unlikely to be labelled as a one-hit wonder. His talent was spotted quite early on by GB Coach Phil Dixon, who quickly took the developing rider under his wing. When I discussed with 'Fletch' the important role that Phil has played in his development, Dixon was in fact in earshot, that didn't put Fletch off his stride as he confidently explained the input and the guidance over the years that his coach has readily given him. I can only assume that either Phil was holding a tenner behind my back, or that Fletcher is very genuine! I've know him for quite a few years and have to admit he is the ultimate professional and his praise had a real conviction to it:

"Yeah Phil has been looking after me since I was a youth rider, that seems ages ago now! He's always been encouraging and every little helps. He's a good coach he listens to what you need and works closely with you on both your strengths and weaknesses. I'm lucky that he's been involved with my development from such an early stage. It's important to have someone like Phil to help you out, especially if you want to improve your game, trying to do it by yourself is such a big ask and sometimes, a little back and encouragement helps push you on even further."

Dave also acknowledged that despite his drive and motivation he would have found the going even tougher if he'd had to have found his own way through cycling:

"I would have gone as far as I could, I'm pretty motivated and I don't like failure. Cycling is where I want to be and I guess I would have gone to great lengths to ensure I achieved my true potential. I'm lucky in that my talent was spotted quite early and since that time I've been supported by family and friends and now British Cycling."

Back in his ODP days, David warms up for a race

Fletch is a quietly spoken, determined young man, who knows what he wants and is prepared to work for it. He also knows he's fortunate to have the kind of support that most riders can only dream of. It's not been an easy ride and he is quick to point this fact out: his choice of career seems to some like, 'living the dream' but that dream comes with drawbacks, one of which many young riders are not prepared to accept:

"I know I've been incredibly lucky with the support I've had over the years from my parents especially but to be honest it hasn't been easy and it's come at a price. I hardly see any of my friends at home: most guys my age would probably be out getting drunk, say over Xmas. But I was in Belgium, racing every 2 days. That left me with no time to go out and have a bit of fun. I miss messing about with my mates, that's a big sacrifice. Plus I've not had time to get my driving licence! It's coming, I'm sure I'll pass soon but I'm nearly 20 and again most guys my age have been driving for ages, I just haven't had the time! Also I hardly see my parents either, luckily they come to some of my races so I get to see them there, other than that, I rarely get home. So yeah it's tough, but I wouldn't give it up for the world. My world is cycling."

With such a desire for success I was keen to find out whether Dave had decided from that very first race that he wanted to pursue cycling as a 'career' and how his parents responded when he realised this was what he wanted to do:

"I perhaps didn't realise from such an early age that I wanted to be a full time bike rider. I guess it's something you don't really believe could quite happen to you, no matter how much you want it. It's a tough path to follow. However, Mum and Dad have always pushed me to try and make something of my life. I wasn't the best pupil in school, sometimes you could say I was a little devil, I was the kind of person that got drawn into a conversation and then it would develop into a massive row. I was never a fighter, probably more a stirrer. So I'm lucky in that my career has followed the path it has, perhaps I used cycling as a distraction from school, and focused my devilish tendencies on my racing instead.

I know I'm lucky to be where I am now, it's been hard work getting here and it's not easy and I know that especially abroad there are thousands of people pursuing that one ultimate spot with a pro team - the competition is so hard. You have to push for absolutely every inch. Hopefully when my time comes I'll be going for one of those spots and see where it takes me. For now I'm lucky to be riding for the Halfords MTB team. Last year we had backing by SIS and now we've got the Halfords input, with a good team support, that should be invaluable experience.

My parents have always been ultra supportive and it makes a big difference, they were the ones that got me into the sport, they were the ones who paid for all my equipment, travel and entry fees and everything, at the end of the day I'm so fortunate that I have my family around me, enabling me to develop as I have. Hopefully they've not got a bill hidden away that they're gonna spring on me when I'm older!

They're very pleased with what I've achieved so far. To be honest I don't think they realised when I started cycling that I'd ever get to where I am now. I think I've surprised them and I guess they are pretty proud of what I've done and are more than happy to help me realise my goals".

Over the years Fletch has worked hard to earn his position in the sport. He progressed through Talent Team selection, obtained a spot on the ODP (Olympic Development Programme) and now as a first year Under 23 Academy rider, he has managed to secure what most young bike riders aspire to, the opportunity to ride his bike every day and call it a legitimate 'job.

"Getting onto the ODP was a good stepping stone and a steep learning curve. You are trained not just to ride your bike but also to approach the whole setup in a professional way. It was tough, but made me more determined to succeed. Now I'm lucky enough to have progressed onto the Academy programme, which is even more disciplined. I now have a lot more people around me to help improve my performance. In the ODP it was just laying the groundwork ready to progress, but in the Academy it's incredibly focused and the intensity has been turned up a notch or two.

When I was in the Talent Team, I had help but there wasn't quite the expertise I can call on now. There were good coaches who helped develop taste of what could come, but now I have sports scientist on hand that analyse my performance and enable me to pinpoint areas of improvement and as a result I've come on such a lot. I'm quite a big engine and I do need to keep my tanks topped up and if it was left to me I'd be scoffing fast food all the time! I do like my fast food! So I have had a nutritionist to help me fuel up properly. I love rubbish food, but I know it won't help me achieve my goals. However it isn't all doom and gloom and I'm allowed a few 'treats', especially when I've a week off. In fact I can indulge in my fast food weaknesses once every two weeks, which I'm really delighted about!"

I quizzed Dave on the strictness of the Academy programme he's now on:

"The infrastructure and regime of the Academy means you are focused even when you're getting stuck into a 5 hr training session. A lot of people might think we have it easy, but it's not easy, far from easy, it's a 24hr, 7 days a week job. You have to constantly think about every little thing that might affect you, your training and your recovery, you think about your sleep, what you eat, when you get up, etc. You can't just take a day off when you feel like it, it all has to be planned with almost military precision.

It's not just you investing your time and effort to progress. There's an army of dedicated staff there to help you but if you aren't disciplined enough to listen to them and let them help you then it's not just a waste of your time but theirs too and there will always be another rider waiting in the wings to step into your place, given the chance. It's very similar to being in the army I guess, maybe not quite as strict, there are some fun bits and we don't kill anyone!

One of those fun bits is that we currently travel to lots of different countries for training and racing. In itself this can be very stressful and we get very little time to explore places we go, but I make sure I do make some time to get a look at where we go, so I can learn a bit more about the world. I like to think I approach everything professionally: I watch, I learn, I soak it all in, but I have a balance, my bike riding is very important but I also try to have a 'normal' interest in other things, just as I would if I wasn't a full time bike rider!"

I was also interested to find out what exactly Fletch would be doing if he wasn't fully immersed in his beloved bike riding?

"Oh I'd be hanging out at places like McDonalds for sure! I've chosen the worst profession to be in with my love of all that rubbish food, not sure how I managed that! Work wise, I'm not sure to be honest what I'd be doing, there are probably plenty of jobs that I'd have readily started, but I've always wanted to see where my cycling would take me. There was a thought one time, if it didn't work out, that I might join the army or police. When I do finally hang up my wheels, which I hope won't be for an awfully long time, I'd like to give something back to the sport that has been so generous to me, either as a coach myself or maybe running my own bike shop and helping young riders through that".

Fort William 2007 and David claims that historic bronze medal

One thing that hangs over this talented rider is 'that' bronze medal he won as a junior. He has even been tipped as a potential Olympic champion, with high hopes that he can succeed where others have failed. I asked him how he found the progression from Junior ranks and whether he believes he can deliver the goods for the MTB community.

"Sometimes I feel that pressure, but not often. Yes, because of that bronze people are expecting quite a lot of me. They realise I have the talent and the ability to get up there amongst the medals at some time in my career if everything goes to plan. When I was a junior, I was quite big for my age, so I had the strength that helped me take that step up. However, now I know I'm levelling off a bit, it was a big step from the junior ranks up to senior and I've taken a year to get used to that and its only now I'm seeing results. In effect I'm taking my progress steady. Obviously I'd love to win every race I do but I have to be realistic and take into fact that I'm only a first year under 23 as well. Phil (Dixon) my coach, realises I'm still in my first year and he tries to put as little stress on me as is possible.

Short term, I'll be aiming to pick up medals along the way to the 2012 Olympics, at the World and European Champs, It'll also be good to get my hands on the UK National Champs jersey, that definitely is one I want to bag! Then I'll have a full set, at all ages!

But long term my aim of course has to be the Olympics. That's what I really want to go for, London, most definitely. You can't beat racing in front of your home crowd and if I can deliver the goods then, all well and good, but I know I'm young and know also that if I work hard and plan carefully I could have a very successful and long career ahead of me. I'd rather do it this way than burn myself out quickly and fade away."

David in action in SiS colours in 2008

During our chat I was impressed at how mature this young rider has become. He has a calm confidence and a strong belief in the system that is 'grooming' him for success. You only have to watch him as he prepares for 'battle'. He can, to the outside observer, look cocky or over-confident as he stares impassively on the start line into the distance with what can only be described as a smirk, eyes shielded behind iridescent lenses. I asked him about his calmness at the start of races and asked if the nerves ever kicked in for the bigger races, where thousands line the course cheering.

"I try to deal with stress as best as I can, sometimes it can get to me but most of the time I focus on the race and I forget about the stress. It's only on very rare occasions that I get nervous. I guess it's my Achilles heel, the fact that I am human after all! Even if I am stressed I've managed to hide it very well from all my rivals so that they can't get a handle of how I am at races, it's all about mind games on that start line and that plays a big part!"

David dons that pre-race face

Wrapping up at the end of our chat I asked what sort of advice he would give a fellow mountain biker, who wanted to follow this career path:

"If it was someone my age, I would suggest they try to join a local club and do as much as they can with that club. I'd suggest they also try and do as many races as they can and build up a creditable CV with which they can then try and approach potential sponsors. It's not easy but if you want to succeed you have to be prepared to work hard at everything.

If it's someone younger, I'd say just get out there, ride and enjoy what you're doing. Don't push for it too soon as you might run out of enthusiasm or be disappointed if you don't get to the standard you need to, to progress. It's best to keep riding for enjoyment rather than push yourself too hard and then leave the sport completely."

 

I asked this question myself when I was younger, and I was given this very advice. Enjoyment is a major factor in this sport and if you don't enjoy it at every level, whether you're winning or not, then you need to find something else"

For me mountain biking has always been my passion, it appeals to me even now as it's such a hard sport to succeed in. It's a great challenge. I love the freedom of riding off road, I could easily lose track of time out on the trails, I just love riding so much. Even after all the hard training I have to put in to achieve my aims, I still enjoy riding and that's the most important aspect of what I'm about and what any rider should focus on."

I've watched with interest as David Fletcher has grown up and progressed through the ranks. As he dominated much of the youth and junior categories during this time it was easy to see his love of the sport underline his obvious dedication and talent. I was delighted to be on the finish line photographing him as he won his bronze in Fort William. Only time will tell now if he will completely fulfil his promise, but after talking to him at length I know he is one focused young man, who is not afraid of hard work. I've watched many riders ebb and flow in this most unforgiving of sports over the years, but Fletcher has remained consistent. His mature outlook makes him a pleasure to talk to and makes you back him every inch of the way.