Dan Benford Athlete Ambassador

Dan is a keen cyclist who soon got the bug for triathlon after getting back into swimming. He talks to Sundried about challenges and training.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, always! I used to mountain bike as a kid, play football and all the rest!

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

I started swimming again for fitness alongside my cycling at the leisure centre I work at and thought I'd consider triathlon. I went for a few runs as well and got the bug for multi-sport.

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

I'd have to say going back to my road race days on the bike for the tour of Witheridge Moor in 2017. It was an absolute gruelling morning on the bike where the course was so lumpy.

And your proudest achievement?

My proudest moment is riding an Everest on my bike on Boscastle Hill (riding to 8848m on one hill continuously in 15 hours!) I did it in memory of my Grandfather who passed away. Read more about Everesting in cycling here.

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

I've had many an unfortunate crash in criteruim races (not due to my fault or to the point I need stabilisers) so many carbon frames and kit have been destroyed! Not a race but my Everesting was the hardest thing I ever did!

How do you overcome setbacks?

Keep head strong, be positive and always see that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Never give up on what you love to do.

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

Look into coaching further and don't just leap straight in. I went through a spell of bad over-training where training wasn't being analysed properly.

What are your goals for 2019?

Stay fit, well, and healthy. Enjoy my new job I am just about to start at Clive Mitchell cycles here in Cornwall (May 2019) and enjoy the upcoming summer getting plenty of events in!

Who do you take your inspiration from?

I take inspiration from my family of course but if I had to say an athlete I'd have to say Chris Froome!

What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?

The men's skinsuit for cycling! It looks amazing and I'll be ordering one pretty promptly!