Life in the fast lane
We are lucky enough to be supporting Jake Womersley in 2017 with our VeloSkin Products.
With the promise of a coffee and lunch paid for, Jake kindly agreed to help us with our recent photo shoot to ensure we captured the essence of cycling in truly British weather.
Well, he beat us up the hills and he beat us to the café ( and here's us thinking our training was going well, clearly we need to review this!). Once we managed to catch up to this racing snake, we had a chat about life and all things bike. We have to say this chap is so very modest, whilst also being a very determined character. Catch some of our conversation below.
What team are you racing for this year? Bike Channel Canyon (UCI Continental)
How excited are you for 2017?
Yeah, I'm pretty excited really, 2016 was good, but I feel much more confident about this year. I already know I'm fitter and stronger from my test results. The team has great backing meaning our race calendar is much better and much more exciting. Describe your prefect day?
Waking up in my own bed, knowing its sunny outside. Meeting some of the local lads ride with and doing a good loop around the Strines. If it was warm enough to be in shorts and jersey that would be dreamy, but we have to be realistic. Having a nice coffee stop in the sun would also be good. Then the rest of the day would be spent in the garden with my dog. What's your Favourite cake?
Carrot cake is my all time favourite, with a nice icing on top. The only problem is most cafes put nuts on and I'm allergic to them so normally just go for a caramel slice. Who is your idol and why?
My cycling idol is my granddad. I've grown up hearing his stories from when he raced in the 50s. Even now he's getting out on his bike at least twice a week, which is pretty good to say he is 85. Off the bike my idol is Keith Lemon, I'd love to meet him.
How would you describe your style of racing?
I love the classic Belgian style of racing, flat stick for the first hour, cobbled climbs, farm roads and cross winds. Although, at the time its horrid, but so much fun.
In three words how does racing your bike make you feel?
Stressed (sometimes), excited, If you had to race in one country, which would it be and why?
I think it would be Australia, my sister is there racing the Tour Down Under and the Cadel Evans race. It looks amazing. I'm still not jealous though..... What race do you look forward to every year?
A race I've always looked forward to is Otley town centre Crit. I think I've done the race every year since I was 15 maybe. It's my favourite crit of the year, normally we get good weather for it too, and its fairly local to me, so the support I get is great. Worse event in your racing life?
National cyclocross Champs as a second year junior. It was in Peel park, Bradford, so I had a little bit of pressure from that. I was one of the favourites for the race along with probably 4 other guys. Training had gone well leading up to the champs and I was feeling confident to at least podium. On the second corner someone crashed in front of me and I hit the deck too. I got back to 5th and stayed there for the rest of the race. I thought my chances of going to the World champs were over.
Best event in your career, so far? I have a few best events actually. European cyclocross champs I was 14th, World cyclocross champs I was 17th. They're two races I will always remember. Campag or Shimano? Campag to look at, Shimano to race on
What's your top tip to any rider?
Only do it if you enjoy it.
We look forward to watching Jake over the coming years, as he continues to grow and we wish him every success in 2017.
