The smile, the enthusiasim, the Buzz
Cycling name?
SPARTACUS, TORO and Buzz. I prefer Toro, but Buzz is a super hero, so is not so bad, but Toro is more me – Spanish!
Why do you ride your bike?
I used to run, a lot… I did some triathlons (sprint distances). I ran so much I ended up with pain in my right ankle. Consequently, I jumped onto a bicycle and started riding to get back in shape.
On one of my trips to Madrid visiting my family, I decided to bring back a very old mountain bike and I started riding through Richmond Park and Regent’s Park.
As I enjoyed riding around I decided to buy a steel road bike (some of you saw me riding it). I started riding with the team at Regent’s. Thank’s to Lowell I did my first ride to Windsor with my classic steel bike. I also had a great opportunity to buy a second-hand bike from a friend and a pair of Shimano Dur-Ace C50 (Glen´s wheels). This encouraged me to train harder and more frequently.
Favourite place to ride?
Countryside of UK.
Up or down mountains?
space
Favourite climb?
I need to try riding more in Spain (I’m sure it must be amazing, because we have La-Vuelta) but currently my favourite climb is Boxhill.
What song/tune/music goes through your head while riding?
Julio Iglesias, “El bacalao”.
Best moments
The ride to Windsor for my first time with Lowell. Followed by my first competition of the Urban Hill Climb. It was worst I couldn’t train us much as I wanted, without my new bike it was quite difficult. Next year I will smash it. Each time I go to Boxhill I try to best my time going up.
How long does it take you to change a flat?
No more than 4mins. (Kostas you are too slow)
Advice to a new cyclist.
Ride, Ride and Ride. Is the only way to be better each day.
Steel, Carbon or Ti?
CARBON (ALWAYS)
Grand tours or classics.
Gels or potatoes?
Gels because bars, sometimes they are so dense, you have to drink half of your water bottle trying not to die.
Headwind or rain?
Rain but I prefer the sun, because it reminds me of Spain. And I can also get a tan.
I wish I had been told that…
I will have to shave my legs at some point, my Dad never will let me (next summer MAYBE).
What is it like being a Baroudeur?
It’s a small family and I have good friends in the club. It’s an encouraging team that supports you in those early hours and inspires you to do better.
Advice to someone wanting to join the Baroudeurs?
Try to rest because at 5.00am your alarm is going to wake you up for your training rides. Pressing the snooze button is tempting, but the team is waiting and riding in the morning is worth getting out of bed for.
If you get dropped off, don’t lose hope. Keep riding until you catch the group. It is at this time you must do your best to catch the wheel and work hard. Accomplishing this makes me smile every time.
Where do you want to take your cycling?
I hope to start racing and trying to be as fast as the big guys in the team. The problem is that they have so many years of experience, but I know they will support me. We will get you guys, so prepare yourselves – the Baroudeur Juniors are coming.
That Buzz touch
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