Stephen Cummings Barloworld Interview
Story posted August 29
Source: Barloworld Website
Barloworld's Stephen Cummings recently won the Coppa Bernocchi and is on the provisional start sheet for the Tour of Britain. Preparing for the World Road Championships, the Tour of Britain will be an important stepping stone for a rider who is making a name for himself on the road. Whilst the Olympic RR did not go to plan, his ride in the time trial showed just what a great hope he is on the road. Here is an interview with the Wirral rider from the Barloworld website.
Q: Stephen, what an extraordinary victory you achieved in the Coppa Bernocchi...
"Yes. It was a fantastic day for me and the team. I looked at the list of riders that were going to start the race, I didn't see many sprinters so I decided it would be a good day to try to get in the early break because behind they may not be 100% organised if there aren't many sprinters."
"At the start of the race I got the feeling that the other riders were tired and wanted to ride easy so I stayed near the front and then attacked when the peloton stopped chasing two riders who were up front. I managed to catch them and then we all worked very well."
Q: They say that fortune favours the brave... but you won thanks to very good form...
"I had some luck, to win you need some luck, but the breakaway averaged 44kph and that's not down to luck. If you look at the faces of the peloton everyone was tired. They chased 100%, as hard as they could but they didn't catch us."
Q:Tell us about your Olympic experience? You finished 11th showing talent for the time-trial, as well as a good form...
"It shows I've improved since I arrived at Team Barloworld and with further improvement hopefully I can really start to become one of the best time trialists in the world."
Q:How did you prepare for the Olympic time-trial?
"I trained in Tuscany, I wanted to focus on the road race so I did a mixture of long rides with long climbs at a medium intensity, and short rides with short fast climbs. I also lost some weight through a special diet. I finished off my long rides with an hour or two behind the motorbike."
Q:You used to ride the team-pursuit races with the British squad, because you're a strong track specialist too. Did you miss not riding on the track in Beijing? And what can you say about your team mate Geraint Thomas?
"I wanted to be part of the team pursuit. Yes I missed it, but it wasn't to be. It was hard to watch on television but in the end I was glad to finally be able to concentrate on the most important thing for me, road racing. I was very happy for all the track team, I know how hard they worked for there dreams. It's inspiring seeing your friends achieve their dreams. Geraint is incredible on the track, he has so much natural speed.
Together with his team mates, they have taken team pursuiting to a whole new level. He also has the potential to be a fantastic road rider. If he works hard I think he can win a lot of big races. Watch out for him next year in Paris-Roubaix and the Belgium classics."
Q: How can you explain the great success of the Great Britain Cycling Federation on the track?
"Good preparation and planning. This comes from within the rider. The coaches advise, the rider listens and makes his/her decision on what they believe is right for them. Riders then make they own programmes with 100% support from coaches, managers, nutritionists, etc. The British team has taken every aspect of track cycling and developed and modified it to give the riders the best chance when they go to the start line. They always put the rider first. No stone has been left unturned."
Q: After the Coppa Bernocchi, what are your main goals before the end of the season?
"The world championships road race and time trial. Paris-Tours and the Tour of Lombardy."
Q: This is your first year in the Team Barloworld's line-up. What's your impression of the team?
"Everyone here works very hard, which creates a healthy atmosphere. Everybody gets there chance, which in my opinion keeps the riders and staff motivated. We do all the big races, and the management and staff are happy to help and support the riders 100%. Team Barloworld has all the ingredients a team needs to be successful. Team Barloworld wants to help riders develop and live there dreams. With that kind of support its easy to go to work with a smile on your face. I want to try 100% to be my best and I have the chance to do that. I'm really grateful for that."
Q: Which race do you really want to win?
"I dream of winning a stage in the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. Hopefully sooner rather than later."
Q:How do you approach races?
"Trying to stay calm, listening to the music, focusing on the event... I approach every race the same. On the bus I talk to my team mates about anything but not normally the race, with some nice music in the background. In my mind I have a clear goal, I have a plan to achieve that goal and I try to focus on the plan and the process and not think about the importance of the race. I try to ride using courage and logic. I like to remain calm. To be a pro bike rider is a privilege, I want to work hard for myself and my team and enjoy every minute of it."
RELATED LINKS
Second Victory for Cummings in Italy
British Cycling Interview Pre-Olympics
