Steve Downey Athlete Ambassador

Steve is a cyclist who enjoys racing time trials. He talks to Sundried about training and racing.

Have you always been into sport?

I got into sport in my early 20s with running. I started out with a 5k in 2009 and built up to a full marathon in 2014. I've not run since! Cycling is my passion now.

What made you decide to enter the world of cycling?

I got into cycling in 2012 as my father is a huge cycling fan and I found it was easier on my knees than running, as I've had multiple knee injuries from football which would flare up when running. I've not looked back since.

What’s been your favourite race to date and why?

I race time trials; I concentrate mostly on 10-mile TTs but my favourite race is probably the season opener in February which is a hilly 14-mile time trail. It's great to get back racing after a long off-season and see where my fitness is.

And your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement in cycling came last year when I completed an Everesting for Reverse Rett, a charity very close to my heart. Everesting is riding up and down a climb until you reach the height of Mt Everest. This was an incredibly long and hard day in the saddle but I raised £16,000 for charity which completely blew me away.

Have you ever had any racing disasters/your toughest race yet?

A puncture 10 seconds into a 10-mile TT in the lakes. It was a 4-hour round trip just to register a DNF!

How do you overcome setbacks?

Rest and recuperate and ensure I train harder so that any setbacks can be put firmly behind me.

What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?

I've learned that stressing over a result can have a detrimental effect whilst competing, so if someone could have told me to relax and enjoy it, that would definitely have helped.

What are your goals for 2020?

I've had a couple of small victories in local events over the last couple of years. My main focus would be to improve on my power output and hopefully get some better placings in open events as well and winning a few more local 10s.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

My inspiration is a girl called Ciara Fowler. She's the bravest person I know. Ciara is battling a condition called Rett Syndrome (a genetic brain disorder) and the strength she shows on a daily basis is very inspirational.