Racing age: 44

Marital status: Happily married.

Job: CAD draftsman

Hobbies: Bikes, sailing, reading, gardening, woodwork

Category: Road 3, Track 4(b), MTB beginner

Preferred type of racing: None, I suck at all of them.

Race resume: I began racing in 1977 in the U.K. for the De Laune C.C. in south London. I started off with time trials, of which there is an abundance and then in the following season I dabbled with massed start events. Since then it has been a healthy mixture of road racing, criteriums, time trials and track racing. My favorites on the track are the warm up, Derny racing, 4000m team pursuit and the madison. (All team events). When I am fit my persuasion is to do longer road races in the 70 mile range. I also really like stage racing, which is a real test of condition and fitness. Living in the London area of England is great for cycle racing with the possibility of racing upto 7 or 8 times a week if you can afford it. A typical week would be Track league on Monday, Evening crit on Tuesday, Wednesday was either track league or an evening time trial. Thursday was crit racing at London's purpose made, 1 mile cycle racing circuit. Friday was a rest day or specialist training, Saturday another TT or Crit and Sunday would be a road race. No time for training was a real problem.

Other types of cycle sport I have taken part in are cyclo cross, m.t.b. racing, cycle orienteering / survival races, bicycle polo, roller racing and roller record riding.

All in all, I have been very lucky to have been exposed to so much.

Then there is all the officiating I have done and race promotions and organizing I have been involved with. I am a qualified British Cycling Federation commissaire. I have organized approximately 25-30 races on road, cyclo-x and track and was the promoter of England's premier stage race for 2nd and 3rd category racers.

In the United States I have had to change my style of life and racing and I seem to have found a niche in the flat crit's . I had several placings and wins in 1999 and 2000 and managed 2nd overall in the Fremont Twilight's series for 4/5's in 2000.

Who is your cycling icon and why: Sean Kelly for his tenacity, Armstrong for his attacking style, O'Bree for taking on the UCI, Patrick Sercu for speed, Museeuw for his power and anyone who just keeps on trucking and is happy.

Why I started cycling: My uncle suggested it. I was looking for a sport, I was not much good at cricket, rugby or football. When I started riding consistently it just suited my temperament and so it just took off.

Why I am still riding: I'm too stubborn to give it up. Also there are days that deserve to be explored, and a bike is by far the best way.

Why I still Race: I still have some ability and I have good instincts. My new bike is a motivator to get out there, I just wish I could fulfill it's potential.

Favorite Ride: Calaveras Loop and doing a good ride up Palomares. In the UK, the section of the Pilgrims Way between Eynsford and Otford. My homeland at it's best.

Nemesis Ride: Both Mt. Hamilton and Mt. Diablo have kicked my butt.

My Race Bikes:

• Trek 5500 but all the Japanese kit as been taken off and replaced with Campagnolo Record 10 and Italian components. It's a dream machine.
• Moser Junior with classic Campagnolo (Delta Brakes) and Dura Ace. It served me well for 12 years. Now it is permanently attached to the trainer.
• Kona MTB with no suspension. It goes out to play about twice a year.
• Ken Bird Track Bike.

My worst bike: A track bike made by Reg Barnet, a south London builder. Reynolds 753, really nice, really too big and really whippy.

Training Philosophy: Uhm, don't know now. Let's see what happens after 6 months with a coach.

Style: Diesel on the flats, a slug on the hills.

Short Term Goals: Regain my ability to descend, multiple top 10 in any race, upgrade to cat 3 (a) on th etrack so I can ride the longer races.

Long Term Goals: Stay healthy and lead the team to greater glory.