The Tank takes aim for 2018!
Emma Lewis is affectionately known to her supporters as Tank, a nickname bestowed on her by her partner. She definitely lives up to this comparison!
Emma is a strong rider who has made her mark on the local race scene taking numerous podiums over the years in Crits, Road Races and her specialist discipline TT. Emma's impressive results include the National RTTC Closed Circuit Title and she was the overall winner of the first Women's Tour of Sussex, dominating the race from day one!
Emma progressed to a National Team last season and has joined Fusion VeloPerformance for 2018.
What are your plans for the new season at Fusion Velo Performance RT?
"I’m really looking forward to my race season with Fusion Velo Performance RT, the girls are all really strong and a mixed range of talents such as climbing, sprinting and time trialling. I hope that we will be able to produce some really exciting racing together this year. I hope to be racing the British Cycling/ HSBC National Women’s Road Race Series."
Will you be focusing on retaining your TT titles and have you made any changes to your training?
"Yes, I definitely want to pursue more Time Trialling this year, I will hopefully get a few of the RTTC National Series races in between the road racing. I will aim to retain my National RTTC Closed Circuit Title most definitely."
You had a strong performance at the Tour Series, how was the experience?
"I wouldn’t call it strong as such, but an experience yes! The atmosphere at every race was like something I have never experienced and that made it so much fun, the crowds were amazing and always cheering and shouting as you passed them.
The racing was also like nothing I had ever experienced, it was fast and furious, elbows out, going into spaces which weren’t there and sprinting out of every single corner. It is not the style of racing I excel at, and although my position improved each round, I decided that this type of racing is not for me."
You have been training abroad, what is your favourite place to ride and how do you feel this benefits your riding?
"I absolutely love Spain, specifically the mountains around Calpe, which many will know is a popular spot for lots of pro teams. Me and my partner Craig tend to get at least 2 or 3 trips out there a year. The roads are perfect condition, the mountains are beautiful and the drivers are courteous, which makes it just a wonderful training ground. We have also become regulars at a local café who look after us after each ride with wholesome food and blankets to keep us warm."
As a coached rider, what would you say are the benefits?
"Structure – having a coach provides a huge amount of structure for my training. I think without structure, I wouldn’t be able to keep myself focused or push myself to my limits.
I have daily contact with my coach which is key, I am given feedback from every session and if I am feeling not quite right one day he will change it straight away. Knowing someone is looking at your numbers after each ride gives you the motivation to really nail each session no matter how hard it might be."
In the South East, what circuits/races do you enjoy the most?
"I love to support my local circuit at Betteshanger Country Park, it’s a great course for me as its always very windy up there and there are no steep climbs or corners to navigate. I do also really enjoy Redbridge Cycle Centre as it has a strong persons hill in it where you can really be pushed to your limits. It’s an unforgiving course no matter which direction you race it."
What are you top 3 tips for people who are looking at starting to race?
Attend your local races first, support these and race alongside other local aspiring racers, local races will be full of helpful and likeminded people who are keen to give you advice from their own experience.
Definitely give time trialling a go as this teaches you how to really push yourself into the hurt locker, it gives you a competitive edge without the scary prospect of racing alongside a large group of riders.
Get a coach – most coaches will have had racing experience and will be able and willing to pass this down to you. It will also mean you go into your first race prepared and at least expecting it to hurt, but you will have had experience of pushing and not giving up. You can pick up 6 week coaching plans from a lot of local coaches. Other coaches would ask you to commit to at least a 3 month contract.
I’d like to add another one if that’s OK… do what you enjoy, not what you think you should do. If you like Crit racing – crit race, if you like off-road; cyclocross is the best atmosphere you can get! Time trialling is full of cycling nerds who are always excited about times and marginal gains. Don’t force yourself to race in disciplines you don’t enjoy as cycling can offer such an array of fun and enjoyment. The more you enjoy it, the more you will want to work harder for your goals.
We will be following Emma's progress throughout the season....Good Luck!