Classic Q&A: Junior CiCLE Winner – Ben Marsh

VeloUK’s Xmas present to you – a classic winners Q&A – Ben Marsh, winner of the 2023 Junior CiCLE Classic

Classic Q&A: Junior CiCLE Winner – Ben Marsh

Q: Winning the CiCLE Classic – what rewards did you get for winning a classic like that?
BEN: Mainly it opened a few more doors for the rest of the season. For instance, after the Cicle Classic I got a guest ride with Fensham Howes at Liege and also the opportunities to represent Great Britain at two of the junior nations cup stage races (Morbihan/Saarland). These were some big opportunities I’m super grateful for!

Q: What did you find most special about the CiCLE Classic in racing the Junior one?
BEN: I think it’s just the uniqueness of the race compared to the rest of the Junior National Road Series. There are so many different factors that contribute to the outcome of the race. Of course, the sectors but also the terrain and often the weather (as it’s early in the year). Also, seeing what previous junior Cicle winners have gone on to do is pretty special!

Q: Overall, how was your season on the bike?
BEN: I can be pretty satisfied with my season, I think. I would say I was very consistent throughout the season (Top 8 in all National Road Series events including two wins) which as of up to now is one of my strengths. I had some very solid results on the continent also, but I would have liked a more “stand out result” like a win/podium at a UCI. But I think that is just a reflection of not much European racing the year before, just missing that 1 or 2% needed to win at that higher level. Something I think will come with time. I never really had a significant dip in form, which is great!

Q: What are the advantages racing for such a high profile team with all that support?
BEN: BCC has grown a lot in the last few years, and it has been a pleasure to ride for them during my junior years. They gave me several opportunities to race in Europe. It’s run by people who love sport and want what’s best for their riders. They provided team cars for racing, which is a must for junior racing and above, and ultimately created a great environment for us to race to the level we wanted to. I have a lot to thank BCC for and I wish them the best for the future!

Q: How different was it racing abroad in classic races like Liege and the others?
BEN: From the racing I experienced, I would say just the general level of riders is higher. In the UK when all the big dogs turn up, the racing is top class. But in Europe, the sheer number of top-class riders is bigger, so the likelihood of a big result is less, making the racing harder. Effectively, there are just more riders realistically going for the win.

Q: What was the best result/performance of yours in 2023 (other than CiCLE!)?
BEN: In terms of road, I think my win on stage 4 of Junior Tour of Wales must be my next best result. I wasn’t in a particularly great position GC wise before. So, I had to step up, plus I wanted to get a result out of the weekend, so I took my opportunity and found myself off the front (like the Cicle) with my BCC teammate George Stephens and we made it to the finish which was pretty awesome. Especially in a Welsh jersey. This put me in yellow for the Tumble stage which is something not many people get to do 😊.

Q: Is track racing a key discipline for you? Three titles was it in 2023 – Thats damn awesome!
BEN: I really love track racing; I think it brings its benefits onto the road also. More being able to deal with tactical situations near the end of a race but also the physical benefits. It’s important to me as I’ve done it for a while, and I want to keep pushing for bigger opportunities. It also keeps things fresh through the road season and winter, just being able to do some track. Furthermore, the very best riders on the road either still are or have been multi discipline athletes. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to go to a UCI cl2 track event in Poland with GB (getting 2nd in Points race) which was a great experience. At this stage in my development, it’s something I will keep enjoying!

Q: What race was the most fun to do in 2023?
BEN: I think both the Nations Cup stage races I was able to race. Despite being very tough races physically (especially Tropheo Saarland) it was really good fun being in a professional team environment. We all bought into the plans, rode as a team and did very well. It was also a good group of guys, so it was great fun! Thank you to Stuart Blunt and British cycling for the opportunity!

Q: What was the toughest bike race you did in 2023?
BEN: I think, as mentioned above, Tropheo Saarland was tough. It was four days and five stages. The terrain was very tough, lot of climbing (for juniors). Also, it was extremely hot and sunny which added another element to the racing, hydration being vital to the ability to perform. The stages were 110-115 km stages everyday which consecutively is the biggest stage race I’ve ever done, and a lot of guys have done. It was something special to experience at junior level.

Q: Where is your favourite place to train on the bike?
BEN: To be honest, home. I live just outside the Peak District, so the riding is usually quality round here. I can go South on the flats if I need a consistent steady ride or into the Peaks for some tough riding. From racing Liege, riding in the Peaks is oddly similar. Furthermore, there are some great riders to go out with around here to push me on. On the other hand, going abroad somewhere like Mallorca is great for morale.

Q: Is all your training on two wheels or are there other training routines (gym, running, etc etc)
BEN: It’s mainly on the bike at the minute but I also do S and C (Strength and Conditioning) twice a week. I’ve tried doing running for the last two off seasons but never really got that far. I’ve tried to build it up slowly but just end up with crippling doms 🤣. I need to learn how to do it properly in the future!

Q: How do find Winter Training with such wet weather? Training indoors or making yourself waterproof for outdoor rides?
BEN: A bit of both really. I try to get out as much as possible up to a certain point but would never risk going out when its icy. When I must, living in the UK during the winter, I’ll plug in Zwift and get it done but I can tell you I’m not a man for Zwift. Training in bad conditions is good also as you’ll always have to race in it! But there is a point when it gets ridiculous.

Q: When do you start your 2024 season?
BEN: The plan is to start my 2024 season at Senior National Track Champs at the end of February and my first road race at Criterium de Monaco then going on to do a block of Italian racing before coming home for some of the British National Road Series races.

Q: What are your goals for 2024?
BEN: Ultimately, I just want to keep developing both physically and as an all-round athlete. I want to get a big result on the continent and in the UK on the way. Furthermore, I want to keep pushing for track opportunities and I would like to find myself in a WT Devo team because at the end of the day, the World Tour is the dream.