Interview

Rab Wardell - 10 Under The Pen

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Published: 15th 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:
Rab Wardell

Team/Club:
Kinesis Morvelo Project

Category:
Elite

2011 bike:
Kinesis KM810: Marzocchi Corsa Super Leggera, TRP Dash Carbon, Reynolds carbon wheels, Maxxis Ikon tires.

2011 results:
I've had a couple of podiums in races in Scotland but 2011 hasn't really been about racing for me. Stand out achievements are riding the West Highland Way in 12 hours 10 minutes, making an urban XC film and conquering Ben Nevis by night

Main photo: Rachel Smith

Bio:
I've been competing in various disciplines on and off since about 1999. Highlights include racing the World Cup at Fort William 3 times, British Championships Medal, GB representation and selection for the Commonwealth Games in 2006 for Scotland. I retired from chasing the 'full time dream' in 2007 and resumed competing in MTB in 2010 after playing at road racing and cyclocross for a few years. I currently work for Scottish Cycling as a Regional Development Officer in the West of Scotland and live in Glasgow. My other passions are music, film and photography. For 2012 I want to return to World Cup competition and compete in a full UK XC season. I'd like to challenge for top 5's in the BMBS and National Championships. I'd love to get paid to race and ride bikes and promote the sport of mountain biking.


Questions:

1. First race experience? 
Fun category race in the Fife XC Champs organised by my first club Sandy Wallace Cycles. I rode my dad's Kona full suspension with toe clips and straps.
 
2. What's the funniest thing a spectator has shouted at you? 
Not really a spectator but my mum once gave me race information by shouting 'you're miles behind' and she was annoyed at me recently when I remembered this and said it was poor feedback. That's pretty funny right!?

3. Favourite motivational tune? 
It's a tricky as it changes all the time - I've gone from The Stone Roses and Drum and Bass as a Junior and more recently Queens of the Stone Age and Postal Service. I really prefer to build up a motivated mood through an album or playlist and it changes all the time. Naked and Famous - 'Punching in a Dream' at the moment.

4. What do you look forward to most at the end of a race? 
Feeling satisfied with my race. That doesn't really need to be a great result but at least something positive to have in mind - a good result does help though! As does pinning a descent or going massive.

5. Toughest competitor you've raced against? 
I've been in the same race as some of the best riders in the world but I don't really class that as 'raced against'. Toughest riders I've battled with would probably have to be James Ouchterlony as he's not really human, doesn't feel pain and just goes flat out everywhere�

6. Favourite race course? 
Probably the Aberfoyle SXC courses - they're pretty steep and technical. I hope that will be over taken by the Cathkin Braes SXC course in Glasgow 2014 though - XC needs more big lines and jumps!

7. What's the best bit of advice you've been given?  
When training, press the pedals hard, keep the top of the chain tight and never underestimate the value of going FAST! - Paul Rowney.

8. Best bit of kit or training aid ever bought? 
Scales - I'm going to need to watch my weight this winter!

9. 29 or 26? 
I don't know yet. I'll tell you in 2012� 

10.Gentle recovery or aggressive rest? 
At the moment aggressive rest but if I had more time I'd do more active recovery and sit at caf�'s in the sun.

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