Quiz Time! Matt Webster (trainSharp Orro Elite Team)

Quiz time with another of the riders in the trainSharp Orro Elite Team, Matt Webster who’s looking forward to the Elite Circuit series after a  challenging winter in Yorkshire

Quiz Time! Matt Webster (trainSharp Orro Elite Team)

Q. Being part of a strong team for 2024, has that helped make your winter training faster and provided lots of motivation?
Matt: Yeah, I think when you’re a part of a team with strong riders, it pushes you to make sure you perform just as well if not better. I’ve been lucky enough to be in some teams with talented riders over the years and that’s pushed me more and more.

Q. How much training in the winter each week are you able to do?
Matt: Having a full-time job like most of the UK peloton, I tend to do around 12/14 hours inc S&C etc. I think for me that’s enough. I enjoy a lot more structured hard sessions rather than long zone 2 rides. I get pretty bored after a while so keeping it fun and interchangeable suits me.

Q: Does the number of hours in the saddle change a lot in the winter going from base work to intervals and top end work?
Matt: I don’t think so no, well at least not for me. Base work is still important but if you look into the science surrounding cycling and the types of training, there’s certainly been a shift from the old rule book of slow and steady miles. Lots of people incorporating Zwift racing and cyclocross etc over winter and for me I thoroughly enjoy adding that race element through Zwift all year round.

Q. What’s been the hardest challenge for you this winter in sticking to a training schedule?
Matt: The weather! I think living in Yorkshire, you have to get used to it and I’ve certainly got a lot more accustomed to it, but it’s still not fun riding in cold wet conditions and I certainly use the indoor trainer a lot. Although, having invested in the likes of Spatzwear clothing, it’s made a huge difference to the experience.

Q. Looking back at the 2023 season, what race was the most fun to do?
Matt: I don’t really have a particular race that was the most fun. I started the season with Epstein Barr and it pretty much ruined the seasons original goals. So just racing and enjoying myself was the highlight for me, I didn’t do to bad, ……

Q. What race was the toughest on the legs and head in 2023?
Matt: I think the elite crit series. I wanted to perform well in those, but I didn’t. A string of punctures, crashes and just not being at the standard I should/wanted to be in was tough.

Q. Do you put pressure on yourself for results or just go out there to enjoy it and grab a result if its there to be taken?
Matt: Yes and no. I think anyone who turns up to race just to participate is lying. Everyone wants to perform otherwise we could just go out and do a social ride. But for me enjoying is the main thing and with that results come.

Q: What’s your favourite discipline in racing – ie, road races, crits, time trials?
Matt: Back in the day road racing, but as I’ve got older I love crits. They’re fast and fun. Good for spectating and over in an hour lol.

Q. What performance are you most proud of from 2023?
Matt: No particular performance but retaining my Elite licence for the 9th year in a row was pretty cool. Means absolutely nothing to most people and in the grand scheme of things isn’t that important. But for me it’s still an achievement regardless.

Q. Are their specific races in 2024 you are looking forward to most?
Matt: The elite crit series, unfinished business. Will probably still get spat, we’ll see!

Q. What goals are important to you for 2024?
Matt: Have fun, continue to get podiums, not get spat and give it FULL BEANS!

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