Matt Bottrill: Famous last words
The fastest postie in the UK talks DIY, guinea pig testing for the GB squad and missing out on track riding.
It all started when I was 12. I started racing with the Coalville Wheelers at the age of 13 and basically I've just carried on racing from there. I went to North Wirral Velo and then to the GB cycling team.
I've never been out of the sport. I've always loved it. I'm 33 now and I think I'll always be riding. I can't think of anything I'd do instead. DIY is my main hobby and being a full-time dad is probably the biggest thing in my life - I've got a daughter.
I make my living from being a postman. I ride my bike for my rounds. I'm as quick on the job as possible and I'd like to think I'm the fastest postman in the country.
The biggest mistake I made in my career has been when I was riding for GB. I should've gone for the track. I didn't make it to the next level on the road, and I could've had a go on the track but I didn't. I'd like to have had a go at the pursuit. Whether I could've done it I don't know.
I got over-training syndrome on the GB squad. Back then we were the guinea pigs for everything that there is now. It was nothing like it is now. We were the first year of it all.
After I got released from GB I raced in France. Nom 44 was the team I raced with - they're a big team in Brittany. We mostly did stage racing around France, mainly in the Brittany area. I lived in Nântes itself. It was a good experience.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Racing in France made me realise that I wasn't going to be a professional bike rider. It's a hard life and it made me realise I didn't want it. If I'd made it I would've been a domestique. I found it hard being away from home.
I've always done road racing. The hours you need to put into training are immense though and I haven't really got the time. I could do it now and just get round, but I don't really want to do that.
My one bit of advice for any aspiring young time triallist would be to always believe that you can do better. Look at what you can do to achieve it, and try to improve - always. Think ‘what can I change' and do it. No one's ever doing anything perfectly, not even the big pros like Bradley Wiggins.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
‘I am in love with Unbound Gravel’ - new documentary celebrates three unsung and behind-the-scenes heroes of race
Shimano's new documentary 'Unsung' shares the stories of three "behind-the-scenes" people who make Unbound Gravel happen each year: a sports photographer, a bike mechanic, and an event organizer.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
'One of the boys thinks I’ll be walking about in armour': Mark Cavendish knighted in ceremony at Windsor Castle
Manxman says he was “nervous” after being made a Knight Commander by Prince William
By Tom Thewlis Published