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LUCYS CENT COLS CHALLENGE

#lccc #lcc #lmmt #lucy munroe #rapha #RAPHA CENT COLS CHALLENGE #cent cols #cevennes #cevene #ardeche #montpellier #massif central

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The cross season is coming to an end with culmination of the world champions at the end of the month. Why not finish on a high with an exhibition of photographs from myself and a Q and A with Simon Burney. More info at Rapha Manchester / Events. @deanhill1988 @Simonburney @rapha_uk #cyclocross #mud #mkcxwc #uci (at Rapha Cycle Club Manchester)

#mud #cyclocross #mkcxwc #uci

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Tour de Force - WWMT

www.tourdeforce.org.uk

#Tour de Force #TdeFCycling #Pyrenees #Tour de France #Cycling #WWMT

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Tour de Yorkshire - S3

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UKs Largetst Indoor Climbing Wall - Stockport

#Rock climbing #indoor rock climbing #climbing wall #awesome walls #climbing #climbers #Northwest Climbing #norts and crosses

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Tour de Yorkshire - S3

#CASTELLI #TEAM SKY #tour de yorkshire #KASK #topsport vlaanderen #MAVIC #condor jlt #BRITISH #COLNAGO #TEAM EUROPECAR #CAMPAGNOLO #MTN Qhubeka

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Tour de Yorkshire - S3

#leeds #Cote de Cow and Calf #Team Sky #cofidis #giant alpecin #iam cycling #CULT VITAL #British Cycling #21st century fox

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MTN Qhubeka - Tour de Yorkshire S3

#CERVELO #tour de yorkshire #MTN Qhubeka #QHUBEKA #3T #MET #SAMSUNG #ROTOR #CASTELLI #bicycleschangelives

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Liege Bastogne Liege - MTN Qhubeka

#Liege #Liege Bastogne Liege #MTN Qhubeka #castelli #samsung #bicycles change lives

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I’m proud to announce my new exhibition - Flanders Fields - will be showing at @1ookmumnohands 23 March - 14April

http://www.lookmumnohands.com/events/flanders-fields

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Tour of Britain 2014

#team sky #bradly wiggins #Sir Bradly Wiggins #mark cavendish #alex dowsett #team movistar #endura #marcel kittel #giantshimano #Omega Phama Quickstep #the tour of britain

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Milton Keynes - Cyclocross World Cup

#MKWCX #CYCLOCROSS #CYCLOCROSS WORLD CUP #UCI #UCI CYCLOCROSS WORLD CUP #BEN SUMNER #STEVIE JAMES #British Cycling #British Cyclo-Cross #lars van der haar #JEREMY POWERS #BELGIUM #ian field #rapha

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Milton Keynes - Cyclocross World Cup 

#mkcxwc #lars van der haar #UCI pro cycling #uci #sven nys #cyclo-cross #British Cyclo-Cross #British Cycling #jeremy powers

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British Cycling National Trophy Series - Peel Park, Bradford.

#peel park bradford #bradford #cyclocross #uci #british cycling #hargrove cycles #ian field #nick craig #neon velo #mud

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­Helen Wyman – Milton Keynes World Cup CX

  At the age of 33, Kona Factory Racing’s Helen Wyman is a British cyclocross institution, with eight National and two European Championships to her name. Having dedicated her life to the sport, she has been an integral part – intentionally or otherwise – of bringing the third round of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup to Great Britain, in the first race outside of mainland Europe. Milton Keynes had a lot to live up to, following the legendary Koksijde in Belgium and in front of a home crowd and with travelling fans from all over the world including America, Canada and New Zealand, this would be an historic and emotional race for Helen, and one she would dearly love to win.

  Simon Burney and his team had organized a fantastic event at Milton Keynes’ Campbell Park, and with an estimated 10,000 spectators at the side of the course, it is hard to imagine how it felt to ride the incredibly slippery course as a wave of noise followed the British riders. The atmosphere was electric and goose pimple inducing, the PA booming rock ‘n’ roll tunes and the traditional scent of beer and frites in the air. Before the race began, with her husband and manager Stef making final preparations, I observed Helen chatting to fans and signing cards. It was evident that she truly appreciates the massive support she gets when she’s slogging it out in the mud and sand, and whereas other top-flight riders can be seen to do this type of thing because they think they should, Helen seemed to really want to connect with the people who had travelled to support her.

  Unfortunately, the race didn’t pan out the way Helen would have liked, as only a few hundred yards in she came a cropper and landed heavily face first into the mud. Although she was immediately back up and in contention for the win, ultimately the podium was not to be and it was an 8th place finish for her. Despite missing out she was there at the finish line flashing her trademark smile and high fiving those supportive fans like a true champion.

  It’s not too surprising that there were almost tears when she was invited on stage before the podium and asked by the commentator what it meant to her to have an international race back on British soil for the first time since 1992, neither is it that this week she has written an open letter to future British cyclocross racers urging them to get involved. Helen is an incredible role model and it was a privilege to ask her a few questions to gain an insight into her world and to find out what motivates her. This is what she said…

    Q 1. How have you prepared for the cross season whilst being heavily involved with Matrix Vulpine Team?

  A 1. For me the summer is very relaxed.  It’s just training.  I take on a mentor role with the Matrix team for any young riders that want some advice, and sometimes I race along side them.  I enjoy road racing, but it’s not something I want to focus on.  I’ve done that before, but cross is where my passion lays.  I love cross, and for me the summer needs to be relaxed as the winter is very intense.  MK World Cup was very special in terms of the atmosphere, but we have that kind of thing at most races I go to.  There isn’t as much support for me, but there are more fans and huge noise and focus on each event.  You can’t keep up that intensity of competition all year round. 

    Q 2. How important is mental strength in races like these?

  A 2. Its very important.  The amount of things I had to do off the bike were pretty insane to be honest around the MK bike.  I spend about 4 hours on Friday have interviews, doing TV things etc.  Around that I had to try to ride the course, and absorb the features and come up with some tactics.  I don’t have a PR crew, I do everything with Stef, so you just have to be careful.  I���m not moaning at all.  It’s a total pleasure to have these opportunities and this interest in the sport.  I love that part of the job, and hopefully, some young riders can see the interviews, the race, the TV coverage and want to be a rider in the future.  

  I guess another part of it is dealing with the disappointments when i doesn’t go your way, but I’ve had enough ups and downs now to cope with all that and have a good, supportive, crew around me who ensure my environment is positive.

    Q 3. Stef is obviously close to you but who else is important to you within the team?

  A 3. My team is Kona Factory Racing.  My boss is Barry Wicks.  He’s a great guy, and a top racer himself.  I enjoy my time with them at the start of the cx season in USA.  He’s really helpful and makes sure all of my requests are dealt with in terms of equipment.  I’ve had 6 years on the same team, and they are hugely important to me.  

  Aside from Kona, Stef is important, he’s my coach and also helps me understand whats happened in race, where I can improve, where I’m better or worse than others, and what we need to do in training.  I also have 2 people I ride courses with when they’re available.  Jon Page and Mike Garrigan.  The input they have is very important.  

  Then there is Patrick and Monique.  They are my start and finish line crew. They are the nicest people of the planet and without them, life wouldn’t be quite as simple. 

  Q 4. I was going to ask you how you find grip on a slippery course like yesterday’s, but I think that was answered on the first corner:(

  A 4. Crashing is part of racing.  If you never crash, you aren’t riding hard enough.  To win a race like MK, you have to take risks.  You have to put the pressure on others.  Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn’t.  I have won 10 championship races in my career, and I didn’t win them by soft pedalling in corners, or walking when it gets slippy.  Cross is a fast, aggressive, slippy and great sport. I fall off often, but then I know my limit. 

  The key to reducing the amount of issues you have is practice and equipment.  Having good equipment, and understanding how to use it is very important, like the right tubulars and understanding the right tyre pressure for you. 

  Q 5.You inspire a lot of women and are a great role model, does this feed back into your racing?

  A 5. I’m lucky to be in the position I’m in.  I might inspire people, but I’m not so sure about that.  I want to help the next generation of riders make it.  I want to help them understand that CX is a good career, rewarding, fascinating, and financially pretty good (And getting better).  But to be honest, very few people ever get in touch.  So it’s not that easy to pass on the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years.  Thats a shame.  All I can keep doing is being myself, being honest, being open, and hoping there are some good riders to take over from me, Nikki and Gabby when we stop.

  Q 6. You clearly race to win so how do you pick your self up when a race doesn't quite go to plan?

  A 6.AYou can't win them all.  But I do ok.  I’ve had around 50 career wins in Pro CX races.  Thats not bad for a girl from the UK.  I’ve travelled the world, I work with great people, and I love my job.  This is a job.  When people go to work and process insurance claims for a living, if they don’t quite get a job finished in the way they wanted, they don’t consider retiring, or giving up.  It’s the same for me.  I go to work every day to do my best. I try to make people proud, I try to represent my sponsors in the best way i can, and Whatever happens, I look forward to going to work the next day. It’s the best job in the world.  

  If I get second, sometimes people tell me I’m no good (They really do).  If I win, I’m a hero and people tell me (Again, seriously, they do. This includes the postman knocking on the door to deliver post if I have good result, or people in the supermarket.). I just say thanks, and smile, if they tell me I’m good, or if they tell me I’m bad.  I’m doing this for me ultimately, and it’s great to have people along for the ride, but i’m not sure I’ve ever let those comments get me down, or give me a big head. 

    7.Was Super Ted with you?

  7. I have a lot of Teds.  They’re all over the place although they don’t like being called Teds. They’s known as “the boys”.  They are my children, and certainly the closest i’ll come to having kids.  They’re some of my best friends, they never say bad things, and always want a cuddle. I like those qualities in people.

#Helen Wyman #cyclo-cross #uci #milton keynes #Kona #kona factory racing #mkwcx

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Lancashire Road Club Hill Climb 2014

Over the past few years this race has become my favourite to photograph. I first came to watch this race in 2012 when Jack Pullar raced here and took the National Championship.

I set out that October morning in 2012 not really knowing what to expect. It was a hill I knew about because it is a road so steep it has a handrail up one side. I had seen images on walls in local hospitals and libraries, but knew little of the race.

It turns out it's pretty famous. Riders like Chris Boardman, Malcolm Elliot, Graeme Obree, Chris Newton and Michael Hutchinson have ridden it and it has been a feature in the Tour of Britain. Jeff wright holds the record, which was set in 1993 and still stands, which is amazing considering technical advances in materials such as carbon fibre and advances in training and diet programmes.

The first time I photographed this race it was a National Championship, the crowds were huge and the atmosphere was electric. It was cold, wet and slippy, it was horrid, but it has been one of my most exhilarating experiences at a race side, and to this day remains my favourite race.

I have photographed bike racing all over Europe and I've been lucky enough to find my favourite race 15 miles from my home. It has become a sort of pilgrimage for me. I look forward to this race every year and love the fact that I can include it into my Sunday ride.

Hopefully we'll see another National Championship here soon.

#lancsrc #buryclarion #hillclimb #National Hill Climb Championship #national championships

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Rapha Cycle Club Manchester

It's been a long time coming, but it has arrived. Rapha Cycle Club Manchester is now open. Clearly a lot of hard graft has gone into this launch, which was evident on the faces of the welcoming staff hosting the event. 

I first heard that Rapha was coming to Manchester at the start of 2014 when Alex from Carhartt - a friend of Paul Rance's - told him to interview for a position at the shop. He got the job and the open date originally was early April, then it was put back to May and then it was hoped the shop would be open for the Tour de France in July.

It wasn't until a week before the opening I actually had a confirmed date, which was from from the horse's mouth so to speak, namely Alex Otterwell the new club Manager. He had dropped into the print studio where I work during the day to collect a print of one of Emily Mayes photographs. It was Friday when he told me the shop was still being fitted out, but it was to open on the following Thursday. I don't think he left that shop all week.

I wasn't sure who was invited, I didn't know if it was just family and friends or VIP's and I didn't expect anything myself. The Sunday before I had a bit of rare time to myself so I washed my bikes down, oiled my chains and greased my head sets. While I was doing this I got an unexpected call from Paul who didn't know I already knew it was opening on Thursday. He asked what I was doing on Thursday night? I wasn't doing anything. "Well you are now" he said. I said it's the opening isn't it? "Yep! I've got an invite for you but wont see you before Thursday so I'll put your name on the guest list at the door". Sweet!

It was a mad rush. I didn't have anything to wear, any of my books left from the ToB or business cards to hand out. I was pretty excited to say the least wondering who'd be there and who was going to open the Club. I designed some last minute stuff, got it printed and headed into Manchester.

It was a pretty cool place which had never even been on my radar, I know Manchester pretty well and knew this area but I didn't know about this hidden little spot behind St Anne's Church, I think it was a pretty good find.

It's smaller than expected on three floors. First floor is bike space, second is where all the action takes place: clothing, coffee/bar and wall mounted TV's for race coverage. Third floor is an exhibition space with a collection of photographs, currently exhibiting Theatres of Cross by Ben Ingham a photographer who has been with Rapha from its inception.

The camera came with me but I wanted to relax and enjoy the moment so I didn't stress about getting any great shots I just got what I got and lapped up the free food and beer, thanks Simon.

A lot of my friends were there and a lot of guys I've met out on the race scene too, so it was a great time to chat and catch up. I was introduced to a few people I knew but hadn't met before, Rich Salisbury introduced me to Allan Williams (Team Sky's head mechanic) who was there with Ollie Cookson. Paul introduced me to northern lad John Herrity, I didn't get to chat with Kristian House who probably thinks I'm stalking him as I end up taking at least one photograph of him every where I go. I overheard him say to John Herrity at ToB "who's that guy I see him everywhere", he'd had a few so probably for the best.    

Paul Rance and Vinny (formerly of Harry Halls) manned the doors which was probably the best spot as inside was super hot with all those people in such a tiny space. 

My good friend Matt Kendall was there too and the guys from Nowherefast.cc where I've posted some stories and emailed a million times but never met so it was good to put a face to a name. We had a long chat about work, ongoing projects, future projects and everything in between up in the gallery where I'm sure I'll get to chat with them again surrounded by my own photographs.

The night ended with a pint with Matt and the strangest chat with Clodge, Simon Mottram, Paul Rance, Allan Wiliams and Ollie.

I had a great night which was fairly successful I think.

Thanks Rapha

Find info on rides, events and more here: http://pages.rapha.cc/clubs/manchester

#Rapha #ccmcr #nowherefast #beningham #manchester #cycleclub #cyclingphotography #simonmottram #emilymaye