Q&A: Kate Wootton (Team Onform)

Question time with young first cat Team Onform rider Kate Wootton who’s second overall, as well as second on stages two and three of the Junior Women’s National Series race, the Women’s Giro in Essex was her best result of this road season

Q&A: Kate Wootton (Team Onform)

VeloUK: How did you get into the sport of cycling?
Kate: I had done a few small triathlons when I was young and after stopping figure skating, I wanted to try a different sport. One of my class mates was part of a local cycling club and him and my dad recommended me to go.

VeloUK: Full time rider, student or working?
Kate: Student currently studying A levels in year 12

VeloUK: Best result for you in 2018?
Kate: My best result was second overall, as well as second on stages two and three of the Junior Women’s National Series race, the Women’s Giro in Essex. I also came 4th overall in the National junior series

VeloUK: Best organised/fun race you did in 2018?
Kate: Revolution series (round 3 Manchester)

VeloUK: Toughest race of 2018?
Kate: Women’s team series race, Banbury

VeloUK: Funniest moment in a race in 2018?
Kate: In the Essex Giro on, stage 2, when I thought I won and celebrated and finished 2nd.

VeloUK: Do you train alone or have others to help you get through the ride?
Kate: I train alone during the week and on some road rides during the weekend but I go to track league on most Tuesdays at the moment with friends. On Saturday I sometimes go on a club ride with my old club and I sometimes cycle with one of my team mates, Josie Griffin and I go to the gym with her. I also sometimes go on a few rides with my dad.
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VeloUK: In the winter, training on the road or indoors?
Kate: Because of the early sunsets and icy conditions, I mostly train indoors throughout the winter and do track league on Tuesdays

VeloUK: How many hours on the bike can you fit in during an average winter training week?
Kate: Normally I can fit in between 9-12 hours

VeloUK: Is there any off the bike training (running/swimming/gym etc)?
Kate: I go skiing each year and I do s & c in the gym every week but apart from that it’s all cycling.

VeloUK: Do you train with any gadgets (Heart rate/power) or just go on ‘feel’ of the ride?
Kate: I train with power and heart rate

VeloUK: Are you eager to race again or happy to wait for the first to come along in 2019?
Kate: At the moment I’m happy to train hard and prepare for the next season so I can be as strong as possible. However during January and February I’ll probably become eager to race and start the season.

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VeloUK: Are you doing anything different in training this winter than last one?
Kate: Yes, I’m training more and with more power focused training

VeloUK: Which races are you looking forward to most in 2019
Kate: I’m mainly looking forward to doing national cup junior road races and women’s national series races if I get the chance to do them next year. I know they’ll be really tough but I know they’ll make me stronger and a better tougher rider

VeloUK: Favourite pre race meal?
Kate: I love having fresh pesto pasta and porridge

VeloUK: Favourite race drink?
Kate: Powerbar isotonic orange flavour energy drink

VeloUK: Best one thing you learned about racing in 2018?
Kate: You can’t be too nice in a race if you want to win

VeloUK: Favourite professional to watch on tele (male or female) and favourite race(s) you like to watch and inspire you?
Kate: My favourite group of professionals are HUBB| Wattbike test team. It’s really inspirational to me how strong they are and how they developed outside of the GB performance pathway. My favourite race to watch is probably the madison. It’s an incredibly quick, technical race with so much going on tactically making it extremely exciting to watch.