Cycling name?
I’ll have to say ‘Migas’. It was a name given to me.
Why do you ride your bike?
It makes me happy. It takes away any worries that I might have in my head. It gives me a sense of freedom, especially in long rides. It’s the fastest way of getting around London and most cities. And of course, it’s a lot of fun.
Favourite place to ride?
A bit mainstream nowadays, but I would say Mallorca. The roads are stunning and well maintained, and the weather is consistently good throughout the year. It is a cycling paradise 2 hours away from here.
Madrid is also a personal favourite, with 2,000m+ mountains within a two hour ride from the city.
Up or down mountains?
Up! Long climbs are the ultimate challenge for a cyclist. Setting a pace, suffering while you try to reach the summit and taking a moment at the top to catch your breath and enjoy the views…that’s why we all love the mountain stages at the Grand Tours.
Best moments?
My first ride in Regents Park with the Baroudeurs (even if I got dropped after 3 laps!); the Tour of Cambridgeshire this year, where I ended up dehydrated and alone, but managed to finish. And the Urban Hill Climb, where I set a good time but had to lay on the floor afterwards feeling sick. It was a bit painful but very rewarding, and a very exciting competition.
How long does it take you to change a flat?
5 minutes on route, 15 minutes at home.
Advice to a new cyclist?
Always take with you a spare inner tube and tools, and some food. Even to RP, you never know what can happen.
Steel, Carbon, Alu, Magnesium, or Ti?
Carbon for now! I just bought my first carbon bike from another fellow Baraoudeur (thanks Tyson!) and it is all I wanted. I do have another aluminium bike and it is also a good ride, although not so responsive.
Steel for commuting in a classic 90s Raleigh is also nice and retro.
Grand Tours or Classics?
Grand Tours. I am a great fan of La Vuelta, and have seen the peloton a few times when they passed through Madrid.
Gels or potatoes?
Bananas! The best snack for a rider. I leave gels for very long routes or races.
Fav pro or retired pro?
Alberto Contador. It was always a good show when he was around. I loved his risky and fearless attacks. For him there was no point in ending second: it was fighting for gold or nothing. The best Spanish cyclist after Indurain.
Headwind or rain?
Headwind, it can even make for a good training session.
Disc or rims?
Rims…but discs are the future if I ever change my bike.
I wish I had been told that…
…road cycling is a lot of fun! I would have started way before, for me it was only mountain bike until recently.
What advice would you give someone wanting to join the Bs?
Do not be put off because of being dropped at the park consistently. Riding with faster riders makes you faster, so if you are persistent you will improve very quickly.
What does your cycling future hold?
Mallorca 312! Looks like there is a good number of B’s already signed up for the race. I can’t wait to enjoy closed roads in Mallorca.
GC prediction for le Tour?
It’s going to be Froome again if he does not have any major injuries. After a year recovering, I’m sure he will come back hungry for his 5th TdF.
:: Meet more of the Baroudeurs
Very good Migas!! looking forward to ride with the B’s and with his faithfull friend Buzz!