Tim Arkell

What did you do before cycling – Quite a lot of parentally enforced rambling/walking as a kid of a Sunday afternoon… (Thankfully no more..)

How did you get into cycling – As a means of exploring the lanes/countryside around the village where I lived (and copying my dad, who used to cycle)

How long have you been riding - Since age 9'ish..

What’s your biggest achievement that you are most proud of – Other than my 1990 LOOK pedals that I still race on? Probably my 10th place in an open Mountain TT a few years back (even got my name in the Comic!)

What’s your most embarrassing moment – Not recognising Stuart Dangerfield at a Club'10' and asking the guy next to him if he was there..?!

What do you do when not riding your bike – Renovate the house/study for professional exams/travel/climb mountains/drink at beer festivals..

What’s your life’s ambition on the bike – Probably to complete the Etape du Tour in a 'respectable' time.

Do you have a coach?? How do you plan your riding - National Express? My riding isn't planned in any way. Mildly guided by the weather if anything - I'm a good weather woos..

Whose your cycling hero and why – Probably Greg Lemond as the ultimate come-back kid. Very impressive to watch in '89 and very inspiring at the time.

Your favourite holiday location – Tanzania/Kilimanjaro was kind of impressive..

Favourite TV program - At present - Grand Designs (very inspiring)

What’s on your I Pod at present (favourite music) - What's an I pod?

What do you class yourself as, Roadie, Tester, Triathlete, Cross rider?? – An ale-drinking sportive/club riding/time-trialist..

Other hobbies – Mountain climbing/challenge walking, real ale, horticulture/architecture

Your pet hates – Mobile phones going off in a remote location…

Wine, women, or song – An attractive woman singing whilst serving me a large glass of wine..

Favourite food - Chocolate chip cookies (the ultimate training food, surely?)

Anything else we should know about you – I don't 'do' rain…….