What makes a road racer tick? Redchilli Bikes meet Amy Gornall
We’re continuing our Q&A session with the riders of new, elite UK based women’s race team, and today we talk with Amy Gornall.
RB: How did you first get involved with cycling?
AG: I first began racing at the age of 13 years old. Both my parents raced so I was basically brought up riding a bicycle! We would ride to the cafe every Sunday for lunch as I was growing up.
RB: How would you describe your racing style?
AG: I would describe my racing style as attacking. I love to try and make the race interesting. I don’t generally like waiting for the bunch sprint.
RB: 2020 has been a challenging year, to say the least. How have you managed to keep motivated and focused?
AG: Once I knew we had no racing for a few months, I changed my training to just enjoy riding long miles in the sunshine – thankfully we had some great weather – with the idea of then ramping back up once we knew more. This didn’t happen and racing didn’t start back so I happily jumped back into the gym and more winter style training.
RB: What excites you the most about racing for (and with) Finish Line Racing, and what do you hope you can bring to the team?
AG: The set up and foundation values of Finish Line Racing is fantastic. Rick has really put so much good work into bringing a fantastic team together. I can’t wait to share a bit of my experience with the younger riders and hopefully help with team develop throughout 2021.
RB: How do you organise your training during the winter months, and are there any specific areas of your riding that you will concentrate on?
AG: Winter training I generally start working around my work schedule and gym sessions. Before adding more specific efforts on the bike after Christmas. I always have a focus on my sprint as that is an area I look to improve.
RB: With regard bike racing, what is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
AG: The best piece of advice I have ever been given is to just go and have confidence in yourself. Because if you don’t try you will never know what could have happened.
RB: What are your main goals for 2021 and do you have your eyes on any particular races?
AG: Currently my main goal is to race (she emphasises with feeling) as I haven’t raced since March! From there I will look to support the team in national series events and hopefully improve my TT for National Time Trial Championships.
RB: If you could ride with any Pro rider (past or present) who would it be and why?
AG: I’ve been lucky enough to ride with loads of the current pros, I admire Marianne Vos [Dutch professional cyclist] because she has achieved so much in cycling.
RB: Does it annoy you when a random cyclist tries to race you?
AG: Not anymore. I used to get annoyed, now I just laugh as they try really hard to get past and then slowly die as they continually check over their shoulder to see if you’re still there.
RB: You’re marooned on a desert island. What 3 things could you absolutely not live without?
AG: Hmmm… probably my new home – hope this isn’t cheating, my coffee machine and my boyfriend (smiling) only because he makes good coffee!
Redchilli Bikes would like to thank Amy for taking the time out to talk with us. Look out for the next 5 minute Q&A on Friday 4th December, where we shall learn a little more about Samantha Fawcett.
If you’ve found Amy’s Q&A session interesting, then catch up with her team mates: Charlotte Berry and Corinne Side.
Redchilli are delighted to be sponsoring Finish Line Racing for the 2021 season – and no doubt beyond. If you would like to follow Finish Line Racing during their preparations for the season ahead, then please follow both the team and Redchilli Bikes on social media.
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