Q & A: Tom Mazzone (Metaltek-Kuota)

A new signing for Metaltek-Kuota in 2017, Tom Mazzone from the Isle of Man takes the VeloUK quiz

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Q & A: Tom Mazzone (Metaltek-Kuota)

1. What was the highlight of 2016 for you and why?
Tom: One of the big highlights for me in 2016, was having the chance to race on home roads at the IOM Tour Series and in Manx International, not necessarily results wise but there was a great atmosphere around the race and getting to race around the TT course on closed roads was pretty cool.

British RR Champs, Stockton and Tom leads fellow Isle of Man rider Mark Cavendish

2. What was your favourite/most fun race of 2016?
Tom: I’d have to say Otley GP. I love a good crit but there is an extra buzz around that race with the big crowds and racing into the darkness as well as rolling in 9th, it was good fun.

3. What was the toughest race of 2016 for you and why?
Tom: Probably the National Road Race Champs in Stockton. After getting into the front split after about 45-50km, then ultimately getting a little carried away, especially after only racing town centre crits for the 2-3 weeks previous, eventually running out of legs after 150km losing contact with the group along with a few guys in the same boat on the run in to the finishing circuit.

4. What is the best piece of equipment (clothing/bike/gadget) to do with racing you are proud of most?
Tom: I was impressed with my Pedal Heaven Specialized Sl5 Tarmac last season, paired with Edco Wheels and Continental tyres, which gave me 100% confidence in fully committing through any corner. Fortunately, Metaltek are running with the same wheel/tyre combo for 2017 and I’m really looking forward to getting a feel for the Kuota bikes, as I’ve heard some pretty good things about them.

5. What is your warm up routine for races – rollers or turbo? Music or no music?
Tom: Usually just a progressive 15-20 mins on the turbo listening to some good music, relaxing and getting in the zone for the race ahead.

6. Will you stay in the UK to prepare for next season during the winter or get in a training camp or abroad to get in some serious miles?
Tom: I always like to train at home on the Isle of Man through the majority winter as it’s always pretty tough with the wind and the terrain. There is also some pretty strong group rides at this time of year. Over the past few weeks they’ve consisted of the likes of Cav, Pete Kennaugh, Mark Christian, Chris Lawless and Tony Varley to name a few.

7. When will you start training for 2017 and what comes first – long steady miles or a mix of miles and efforts?
Tom: I began training properly again in mid-October, easing back into the swing of things, then continually building up to the level I’m at now, with a mix of Endurance and Strength work, mainly on the road but also some enjoyable turbo sessions for some Intensity.

8. Does winter training consist only of riding the bike or running/swimming/gym work
Tom: I like to mix it up a little bit any time before December, doing some swimming/hikes etc but after that it’s usually purely bike riding and strength and conditioning work in the gym and at home.

9. What are the goals for 2017?
Tom: Win bike races! We have some really strong and diverse riders in the team this year, guided by Colin and Andy. I think everyone is pretty motivated to make 2017 as successful as possible and achieve the best results we can, whilst having some fun in the process.

10. Finally, what have you learnt over the years to best deal with the winter months on a bike!
Tom: Never trust the weather forecast on the Isle of Man. Wearing and bringing the right kit out in the winter is always the key, a fresh, dry pair of gloves or cap on a cold/wet day is always good for morale. Some decent music to listen to when you’re out solo helps too.

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