Q & A: George Wharton (Spokes Racing Team)

Young North West rider George Wharton of the Spokes Racing Team tells us about his highlights in 2016 and goals for 2017

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Q & A: George Wharton (Spokes Racing Team)

George Wharton of the Spokes Racing Team says of his team, “the best thing about being them is the great opportunities they will provide ahead and the fantastic welcome the team have given me.

1. How did you get into cycle racing?
George: It’s a big sport in the family so I’ve been brought up on a bike. My first cycling club was Salt Ayre Cog Set. It’s a great group of people and they’ve helped me develop in the sport. I started competitively doing time trials with the Kent Valley Road Club. They have a wide range of events on offer.

2. What’s your favourite discipline in cycling?
George: Road.

3. What is the best thing about bike racing?
George: The thrill of the race. There’s not really another sport like it.

4. What was the highlight of 2016 for you and why?
George: Winning the North West Road Race Championships. I didn’t think I had a high chance of winning as there were some strong riders in it.

5. What was your favourite/most fun race of 2016?
George: The Westmorland Tankard Road Race. I’ve always enjoyed riding round the Old Hutton circuit in Endmoor, Cumbria.

6. What was the toughest race of 2016 for you and why?
George: Isle of Man Junior Tour, final stage. It was a difficult course and once I got dropped, it was tough keeping going.

7. If there was one thing you learned most in 2016 to help you go faster/better, what was that?
George: Don’t be afraid to try something in a race. Trying something new might work out.
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8. What is the best piece of equipment (clothing/bike/gadget) to do with racing you are proud of most?
George: I often use Campagnolo Zonda wheels. They’re really nice and run well.

9. What is your warm up routine for races – rollers or turbo? Music or no music?
George: Generally, I don’t warm up using music, but it can be useful for motivation when doing tough turbo/roller sessions. I usually warm up using rollers. I don’t think it puts as much strain on the legs.

10. Will you stay in the UK to prepare for next season during the winter or get in a training camp or two abroad to get in some serious miles?
George: Mainly, I’ll stay in the UK. However, I know of a few potential trips abroad so I’ll have to see.

11. When will you start training for 2017 and what comes first – long steady miles or a mix of miles and efforts?
George: I’m currently doing a mix of efforts and some long steady miles so I guess I’ve already started. The training will get tougher around January though.

12. What are the goals for 2017?
George: Ultimately, to win a round of the Junior National Series would be brilliant. Also, it would be good to gain some useful experience in races home and abroad and hopefully I can place well.

13. Does winter training consist only of riding the bike or running/swimming/gym work (cross training)
George: I mainly train on the bike but it’s good to mix it up and do another sport. I sometimes do swimming, fell walking and a few other sports too.

14. Finally, what have you learnt over the years to best deal with the winter months on a bike!
George: If you’re kitted out properly, go out there and get on with what you planned to do. The training should be worth it in the end. I find it difficult at times but I guess it helps to think about the positives of what you’re doing.

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