Introducing...
Every month, we introduce one of the Kingston Wheelers and Steven Saunders is in the hotseat for March 2007.
Steve joined the club at the start of the year and within weeks of joining, he started racing, getting second place in his second race. How's that for a start? In fact, as good as it is, it's not such a surprise, as he knows his stuff when it comes to cycling and sport.
Photo: © Andy Waterman
Name: Steven Saunders
Age: 27
Significant Others: Long-term girlfriend Cat.
What made you start cycling? Mainly as a means of transport! My bikes are worth about 10 times the value of my (girlfriend’s) car, and much nicer to use.
Why did you join Kingston Wheelers? I wanted to start racing, looked around the local club scene and decided on choosing a club that had a friendly feel as well as a group of racing riders that could help me get started. So far it’s been great!
Date you joined the Club: January 2007
What bike do you ride? A Canyon F10 Ultimate (stiff carbon German import), A Planet-X Superlight Team (great cheap frameset for racing) and a Specialized Langster Fixie (although this is soon to be ebayed- no room in the flat...). I like tinkering with bikes so there is always a project on the go.
Give us a brief cycling background: I’ve always had a bike of one sort or another, but never used it in a competitive sense, just as a means of transport. I rowed for six years at University and then at Molesey Boat Club before deciding that the equation of effort/reward was beginning to not add up. Decided to get on the Giant TCR I had for summer cross training and start bike racing... Did lots of miles at the end of 2006 before deciding to join a club and get racing!
Who is your favourite pro or inspiration? I followed cycling in the Lemond then Indurain era as a boy, so they are right up there. Also local Surrey man Sean Yates as a bit of a hard man. Nowadays, I like Valverde and his style of riding- part climber, part sprinter.
What was your best performance or favourite ride? So far, coming fourth and second in my first two races. The second race at Chertsey I thought I had won so in a way it was slightly disappointing but I'm still happy to be up to third category in two races.
What was your worst day on the bike? I did the 2006 Tour of Wessex sportive with some ex-rowing friends and was ill-prepared for three 100 mile days back to back. Made it to the end of the second day with Achilles tendonitis and two ropey knees before deciding it would be foolhardy to do the third day. I hate quitting so there is unfinished business on that one.
What is your favourite cycling food? Without a doubt, Nutri-grain Elevenses Raisin Bake- right content and right consistency for swilling down with water on the bike.
Where is your favourite cycling location? Went to Brittany with the bike last summer. Amazing roads, great rolling scenery- perfect riding country.
Most likely to say: "I can’t decide what kit to wear."
Least likely to say: "I don’t need any more bikes."
Previous interviews
Kingston Wheelers ©2009 | Contact Us | Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Links