Isla Rowntree - 10 Under The Pen
Published: 1st February, 2012To help keep you motivated on the turbo trainer or on those long, dark, cold training rides Niall Frost spoke to a cross section of the racing community and asked them 10 simple questions - TEN UNDER THE PEN...
All photos by Joolze Dymond
Name:
Isla Rowntree
Team/Club:
Stourbridge Cycling Club
Category:
Veteran
2011 results:
National Veteran XC Champion
2011 bike:
Custom steel Islabikes hardtail, 29”, 1 x9.
Short Bio:
National veterans XC MTB champion, 2010, 2011
National veterans cyclo cross champion 2010, 2011
3 x National Cyclo Cross Champion 1999, 2002, 2003
6 x National Trophy Cyclo Cross Champion 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003
World Masters Cyclo Cross Champion 1999
National 800m Grass Track Champion 1994
National Cyclo Cross Silver 1997
4 x National Cyclo Cross Bronze 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998
National Cross Country Mountain Bike Silver 1997
National Road Race Silver 1997
National Downhill Mountain Bike Bronze 1991
National Track Sprint Bronze 1993
Director of Islabikes – the children’s bike specialists
Play a little piano, guitar and banjo – badly!
No 2012 goals, I don’t have those any more. I ride when I feel like it and race when I feel like it. I would like to ride in more new places next year.
Questions:
First race experience?
The first Malvern Hill Classic, which I think was 1989.
What's the funniest thing a spectator has shouted at you?
I honestly can’t think of a single funny thing that has been shouted during a race. Encouragement is always welcome though, I am rarely so focussed I don’t hear it! I like it when kids cheer me on the best.
Favourite motivational tune?
I love music, but I don’t use it for pre-race motivation. The only time I ever use it is on the very rare occasions I go on the rollers and do intervals. My work colleagues recorded a compilation of training tracks for me, and I use those. They are mostly much younger than me so I haven’t got a clue what they are, but they are pretty cool and do the job.
What do you look forward to most at the end of a race?
Stopping!
Toughest competitor you’ve raced against?
Caroline Alexander.
Favourite race course?
Anything techy with lots of variety.
What's the best bit of advice you've been given?
No specific advice sticks in my mind, but I used to train with Shane Sutton years ago, and he was the biggest influence on me, not just for racing, in life. Amazing guy.
Best bit of kit or training aid ever bought?
My prescription Oakleys.
29 or 26?
29
Gentle recovery or aggressive rest?
Gentle recovery – usually.
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