FourPL asked Maddison some questions to give us some insight into cycling and what inspires her.
- How did you first get into riding?
My first taste of cycling came from watching the Tour de France late on a Saturday night with my parents back in 2010. I watched the entire Tour in 2011, cheering Cadel on to take the win in Paris. I even remember having my school friends over for a sleep over the night of the final time trial, making them sit through it with me until Cadel took the yellow jersey. I got my first road bike in 2012, my last year of high school, as I wanted to join my Dad on some Saturday rides. Then I moved down to Brisbane to start uni and I didn’t use it too much. I initially struggled with the transition to city living and I found my first semester at uni quite isolating, to the point where I didn’t want to come back after my mid-year break back home. I sought out a social riding group in order to meet some people and then it just escalated from there. Within 3 months I was on the bike most mornings and I raced for the first time less than 6 months later.
- Why do you like road racing in general?
From watching as much professional racing as I have, I enjoy the mental and tactical aspects of the sport just as much as the physical ones. In particular, I love the ‘epic-ness’ of a good road race. My favourite race each year is the Cunningham Classic, as I love that no matter how the race plays out for you, you will always come away at the end with an epic story.
- Why ‘The Women’s Racing Project’?
I have been a part of The Women’s Racing Project since its inception. I love racing with such an interesting and inspiring bunch of girls, in an environment where we are encouraged to constantly learn and grow.
- About how many days a week do you ride your bike?
I ride pretty much every day of the week. Weekends are prime riding time and I use my bike to get to work every day, so if I need to take a day off for training purposes I have to schedule it in – something I often forget to do, because who likes the bus?
- If you had to pick a favourite cycling moment, what would it be?
I love watching the last 20km of the 2016 Paris-Roubaix, where Matthew Hayman kept clawing his way back into the race to take an emphatic victory on the Roubaix velodrome. It was epic and inspiring – one of the best sporting moments.
On a personal level, my best cycling moment came at the UniSport Nationals down at Murwillumbah last year. I had just spent the best part of 2 months on the indoor trainer after injuring my arm and shoulder in a race. Despite this, I managed to take the win in the individual time trial, against some really strong riders. I was really proud of my performance after a tough couple of months of motivating myself to keep training.
- The cycling competitions of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo will feature 22 events. What is your favourite event to watch and why?
As a new rider on the velodrome, I just love watching the pursuit events. The Teams Pursuit, both men’s and women’s at Tokyo will be electric, and based on the performances at the world championships last month, world records will fall. Super exciting!
Questions a Non-Cyclists should not ask about Cycling…(by a non-cyclist who’s not very sympathetic to cycling …it’s not their fault they don’t realise how amazing cycling is, yet!)
- Do you ever wish you were rather in that car overtaking you?
Not usually, it’s something I rarely notice.
- Don’t you get bored of riding for hours?
Sometimes, yes. It’s rare though. I normally seek out company for longer rides, which helps them pass quickly. I am more likely to be tired than bored after 5 hours on the bike.
- Lyrca? Are you serious? It is really necessary?
It’s definitely the most comfortable option.
- Do you really need more than one bike?
I have 6, so yes. Each one serves a different purpose.
- Isn’t it uncomfortable sitting on that saddle?
If it’s uncomfortable it’s a sure sign you haven’t been riding enough.