Introducing Cai
Who is Cai Davies?
I am 17 years old, currently studying biology, psychology and geography as A-levels at Monk’s Walk School as well as racing bikes. My plans for university are unknown and as a result of that I think I’ll be taking a gap year before I go to university so I can chase cycling goals and see what happens.
Where do you live?
Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
What do you ride?
The summer is my road season where I’ll regularly race in circuit and road races riding in the Welwyn junior academy.
The winter is my cyclocross season where I’ll race in the Eastern and Central cross league every weekend and also in the National Trophy rounds.
How long have you been riding?
I’ve been riding since August 2013 when I discovered I loved riding my mountain bike around the local routes and as a result I joined Welwyn Wheelers so I could be given more opportunities to ride and race my bike.
Where’s your favourite place to ride?
I love riding through wet, muddy forests where I can tear up the tracks.
Alternatively I love the roads in Snowdonia where the mountainous views are incredible. I try to catch the train over there every year for a week.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
Riding to 11th place in the Derby cyclocross national trophy as a first year junior.
When are you happiest?
When riding a bike in weather that isn’t too hot, and isn’t too cold.
What makes you angry?
People with all the gear but no idea.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Training is like putting money in the bank for later when you’ll need to withdraw it in the future”
– Francis Gallacher, Welwyn Wheelers coach
Who do you admire?
I admire Zdenek Stybar for being an incredible road rider and also a top cyclocross rider.
I love both disciplines and would love to carry on racing both of them just like him.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Usually have the CXhairs ‘Svenness’ playlist on for cross inspiration as I love the Svenness videos they make.
If you could have dinner with three famous people (alive or dead) who would they be?
Sven Nys, Zdenek Stybar and Winston Churchill.
Who is your favourite rider?
Sven Nys, the cyclocross boss. x2 world cx champion, x9 Belgium national cx champion.
I had the privilege to ride with him briefly at the Milton Keynes World cup course practice!
Cai and The Cyclocross boss
What saying do you use too much?
“That looks rideable, I can ride that for sure”
That looks ridable...
What bikes are you riding at the moment?
Trek Ion Cx Pro (cyclocross)
Trek Crockett 7 (cyclocross)
Raleigh Militis Pro (road)
What are your plans and goals for 2016?
After having my first proper road season in 2015 and getting some unexpected results, I’m looking to target the 2016 road season. If I can balance my cross racing and winter road training efficiently I’m hoping to have a good season.
What would you change about yourself?
To get the ability to have fast starts in races and not have to wait 5 minutes before I can get moving. Practice makes perfect though.
Twitter: @cboot
Instagram: @its_caiii