Interview
Oli Beckingsale - 10 Under The Pen
Share on Facebook Share on TwitterPublished: 5th December, 2011
To 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...
Name:
Oli Beckingsale
Team/Club:
Endura MTB Racing
Category:
Elite
2011 bike:
Look 986 with Sram XX, No Tubes Wheels and Conti tyres
2011 results:
National XC Series Champion. 9th European Champs
Bio:
Riding History: Been a MTB racer since 1989 and a pro since 1998, currently riding for Endura MTB Racing. Racing highlights include Previous results: 5xNational Senior Champs, 3x Olympian with best result being 12th place in 2008, 2nd place Commonwealth games 2006, 9th World champs 2005 and 10th world Champs 2008
Hobbies: When not I'm my bike I'm spending time with my wife and two kids, a bit of cafe time, cooking and eating. Recently got into swimming which is kind of a hobby right now..
Questions:
1. First race experience?
Cheddar Challenge 1989 aged 13, did a flat out practice lap, then died on my arse in the two lap race but loved it and was hooked.
2. What's the funniest thing a spectator has shouted at you?
When racing in Australia, especially the commonwealth games in Melbourne, "do it for the queen" was pretty common.
3. Favourite motivational tune?
Forgot about Dre, Dr Dre..
4. What do you look forward to most at the end of a race?
Immediately; a shower and a bed.. A bit later steak, chips and a pint..
5. Toughest competitor you've raced against?
At home Liam Killeen, when he has his game face on he is one of the most determined b*****ds I have ever seen. We have some great battles; unfortunately he has won most of them!
6. Favourite race course?
Old school Houfallize in Belgium before all the short lap bull***t. In the Uk, Eastridge near Shrewsbury..
7. What's the best bit of advice you've been given?
Nick Craig passing down the old pro ways when I was a young one and showing me how to hand wash and dry your kit asap in a hotel room. All other advice is secondary to having a clean dry chamois to start the day in!
8. Best bit of kit or training aid ever bought?
Recently waterproof MTB shorts, they are a game changer in the winter. Best training aid was my first cheap HR monitor back in the old days and the original Simon Burney cyclo-cross book which taught me a lot about basic training and how to look after myself.
9. 29 or 26?
Not tried or experimented with 29inch, so it's 26 for me. Not in a rush to try one either. I have enough to think about on a daily basis without thinking about what wheel size will suit the trail I am about to ride on. I like a 26inch wheel with a wide tyre.
10. Gentle recovery or aggressive rest?
Bit of both, sometimes an easy ride is just what's required and makes me feel better, some days a day without lycra is the best thing for both body and soul..
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