Feature: Steve Lampier Q & A

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VeloUK’s puts a Q&A to Steve Lampier of JLT Condor about his racing in Australia in February

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Feature: Steve Lampier Q & A

The Star Trophy winner when with Raleigh GAC in 2015, explains how he has had a good three week block of racing starting with the NZ Cycle Classic a 5 day UCI 2.2 went he ended up 5th.

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Photo: Con Chronis

His teammate Stevie Williams (he rode for Pedal Heaven in 2015) was 3rd and John Herety’s team won a stage with Chris Lawless as well as having the yellow jumper with Lawless and Alex Frame for two days.

Next for Steve and the team it was the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race which says Steve, was a great race. From holiday’s there, the Great Ocean Road (in the state of Victoria) is certainly a very picturesque and in the race were a lot of the World Tour teams that had ridden the Tour Down Under.

Steve says of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race “To make the final selection split and finish in the front group (14th), that’s the result I’m most proud of”.

Steve and the team’s next race was the Jayco Herald Sun Tour. With Chris Froome riding, the profile of the race was ever higher than normal. Talking about that event, Steve says “Day 1 on the big climb and I was actually dropped and worried about my condition but we made it back to the front group and that put me towards the front of the GC after two days of aggressive racing and an all day break from Russ Downing”.

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Photo: Con Chronis

“On stage 4 on Arthurs seat, the JLT Condor boys put me in a great position at the bottom of climb first time up (x 3 laps)and I was happy I held the group until one k to go last time up when it was on! Happy how it went though with 14th on the stage and 12th overall.

1. That final stage looked hot in many ways – was it controlled like a pro race can be or a free for all on the climbs?
Steve: World Tour teams control races so it was very controlled into the climbs and fast with the lead outs but we had our own going on. On the climbs, the first time they just went hard and then harder and harder!

2. How does the heat affect you in a race that tough?
Steve: I really enjoy racing in the heat so it had no effect on me. I’ve been in NZ and OZ now since November so there were no issues with the heat.

3. What was the highlight of the Sun Tour for you?
Steve: Racing wise, the last day on the Arthurs seat climb. Rider wise, talking to Froome one day and just being part of it. It was a good race and a good time away with the lads.

 

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4. How different is an Aussie pro race in February to a European one in September (Tour of Britain)? IE, is it raced differently – I assume its warmer ;-)
Steve: Yeah warmer! Very similar but by the time the Tour of Britain comes around, the big pros are like, yeah another race whilst I am like this is my home tour so I’m super motivated. World teams race the same, break goes, comfort stop, teams ride and then it gets fast at end!

5. Does it feel strange to be riding such major races at this time of the year?
Steve: Yes! Fifteen days racing in the legs where the Aussie level is high and with World Tour teams racing hard. I think traditional seasons are gone as every race is important nowadays.

6. What are your next races and goals?
Steve: Tour of Taiwan then back to the UK and into the Elite rr series.

7. Will you be having some down time before the European season kicks off late March/April.
Steve: Bit of a relax time now I’ve come back to New Zealand but the races have just complimented training so no need to back off too much.

8. Yes or No to using Down Under (Oz/NZ) as a base for the British winter and why?
Steve: Yes!! NZ has been great for me, good roads good riders to get out with and it doesn’t take 25 minutes to dress for a ride!

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