Q & A: April Tacey

Second in the Curlew Cup race at Stamfordham for Brother UK/Fusion RT, and winner of two Women’s Team series races in 2019, April Tacey will be racing abroad in 2020 after signing for Drops Cycling. Here’s April’s Q & A

RST Cycle Clothing & Trigon Bikes

Q & A: April Tacey

Second in the Curlew Cup race at Stamfordham for Brother UK/Fusion RT, and winner of two Women’s Team series races in 2019, April Tacey will be racing abroad in 2020 after signing for Drops Cycling. Here’s April’s Q & A

Signing for Drops – does this mean a change of race programme from domestic to UCI?
April: Yes, next years race programme will look a lot different but I am excited to take a step up to UCI level and I`m very much looking forward to the new challenges that lie ahead.

Has signing for a UCI team been a goal of yours or something that has just evolved in your racing career?
April: Yes signing for a UCI team has been an ultimate goal of mine and I am very grateful to Drops Cycling for giving me this opportunity.

What experience do you have of UCI racing?
April: As a junior, I raced several UCI races in the Netherlands which included the Omloop van Borsele and Healthy Ageing Tour. I was also selected by Team GB to race at the Junior World Road Championships in Innsbrook, Austria which was an amazing experience. I didn’t complete in any UCI races last year and I know the step up next season will be very challenging and tough but I am looking forward to getting stuck in and seeing how the season goes.

Are there UCI races you are hoping to be part of in 2020?
April:It`s difficult to say as I currently don`t know which races I will be selected for but hopefully as the season progresses I will get an idea of the type of rider I am and the races that suit me.

Will you be based in the UK or abroad whilst racing for Drops?
April: I will be based in the UK whilst racing for Drops next season.

What are your 2019 highlights?
April: The Curlew Cup in the National Women`s Road Series was a particular highlight and although I missed out on the win by a matter of a few millimeters, I was very pleased with 2nd place as it was my first National Road Series podium at senior level. Another highlight was winning two local rounds of the Women`s Team Series in Coalville and Naseby. I was also happy with my performance in my first senior National Road Championships in Norwich.

… continued after advert

What was the most fun/enjoyable race in 2019?
April: I would have to say the Ras na mBan stage race in Ireland as it was 5 days of great racing which I got to share with my fellow team mates, Terry Williamson (Team manager) and parent helpers. It was also a very memorable occasion as we won the best team overall (Brother UK Fusion RT) and managed to keep Claire Steels in the leaders jersey.

What was the toughest race in 2019?
April: My toughest race last year was the Tour of Reservoir as I had just recovered from illness. I wanted to race the event as I had the National Road & TT Championships the following week. It was a tough weekend especially Stage 2 but I was determined to finish the race with my team mate Fiona.

Was there one thing you learned in 2019 that stands out?
April: I would have to say the one thing that I’ve learn`t this year is I`m not always going to achieve the result I’d like but it`s about learning and reflecting on those particular races which hopefully will benefit me in future.

Has the serious training begun already this winter or still to come?
April: I started training in October after having an end of season break and my training is go well so far. I have raced the odd local cyclo-cross race as I enjoy them and it offers a little variety throughout the winter months.

… continued after advert

2016_ShuttVeloRapideAdvert

Will your training change this winter having signed for Drops?
April: My training will be different this winter as I am now coached by trainSharp and the fact I will be racing at a higher level, my coach there will be preparing me for the season ahead. However I don’t want to over train so it`s about getting the right balance.

Are your winter train days structured from day to day or a mix of riding the bike for fun and then getting serious with top end work on specific days?
April: My winter training days are well structured with specific sessions during the week and at the weekends I either do a local cyclo-cross race or I go out on a group ride.

I joined Trainsharp Inspire Talent Programme in March this year and since then I have been working closely with my coach – Alex Welburn who provides me with structured training plans. I like the specific efforts within my sessions and I like how they prepare me for my key events. One of the big differences this year is that I now train using a power meter so I can measure and analyse my efforts more accurately.

April alongside Joss Lowden who rides for Drops in 2020 as well …

Is there an effort in training that you dread having to do?
April: I don`t dread any particular efforts as they are part of my training which have been doing for years and I know if I put in the hard work it will hopefully pay off.

When do you expect your 2020 season to begin ….
April: My 2020 season will start in February which is slightly earlier than my previous seasons however I am now a full time cyclist having completed my two year college course so I now have a lot more time to train and race.

AlpsCyclesMidstory

Cycle Division’s Shop

Send your results as well as club, team & event news here

Other Results on VeloUK (including reports containing results)

Other News on VeloUK

Tags: