Andy Vaughan Athlete Ambassador
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Andy is a cyclist who has his sights set on completing a triathlon. He talks to Sundried about his passion for this sport.
Have you always been into sport?
Yes, from a young age. Growing up, I was into every sport imaginable. Running and cycling were the two that grabbed me during those early days and I haven't lost my passion for them.
What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?
I've always found cycling and running to be sports that I have a natural affinity with and come fairly easily. Swimming is something I have to work harder at and triathlon seems like a logical step to take. I enjoy watching triathlon and I'm fascinated by multi-event sports, as there's such a physical demand on the body and mind!
What’s been your favourite race to date and why?
No triathlons yet, but Ride London is a great cycling event to take part in. As a spectator, the three Grand Tours are epic and the Cobbled Classics like Paris Roubaix are fantastic to watch.
And your proudest achievement?
Representing England Schools in my youth as a 400 metre sprinter.
Have you ever had any racing disasters/your toughest race yet?
Plenty of times when I've run out of energy and not eaten enough throughout the race. The last 20 miles of a race where you've under-fuelled can be so gruelling. You need to get your nutrition right in order to perform! A few snapped chains have also curtailed me in the past.
How do you overcome setbacks?
By setting goals and knowing that you're always stepping a little closer to the end game. A sense of perspective always helps too and realising that my family is everything, so a setback in your training is not going to do you any real harm and it's only temporary.
What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?
Give it your all, all of the time. Commit 100% to your sport, by dedicating yourself to improving every day. Also, set yourself goals, constantly.
What are your goals?
- Compete in a triathlon
- Ride Mont Ventoux or Alpe d'Huez
- Take 5 KOMs
Who do you take your inspiration from?
Typically, professional athletes - Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas etc. Increasingly though, I am inspired by everyday people who are seeking to make big changes in their life by taking up sport. Couch to 5k, your first 10k run, marathon, century ride - it's massively inspiring to see people do this and it makes me want to do more!
What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?
The Sundried kit is superb quality, yet affordable. The act that it's made for athletes means the fit is superb and driven by performance. The kit also looks good, understated, yet stylish.
