Personality of the Month - William Fotheringham, Cycling Journalist
What is your job or other main activity that involves cycling?
Journalism – I write on cycling for the Guardian and Observer and churn out the odd book.
How long have you done that?
I began working on magazines in 1988, and have worked for the paper since 1994.
Where do you live?
In the North Herefordshire hills.
What most encourages you about cycling where you live?
The quiet, scenic roads and on the whole fairly considerate drivers.
What most discourages you about cycling where you live?
Nothing apart from time pressures and the weather.
How would you describe yourself as a cyclist?
Bog-standard racer, not desperately good at anything but unable to stop.
What is you earliest cycling memory?
Going out with my dad aged about 6, having trouble going up a hill which set the tone for the next 37 years.
Where is the best place you have ever cycled?
Exmoor when fit.
What is your greatest achievement, in terms of encouraging more people to cycle?
I’d like to think the training book I wrote, ‘How to train, race and win’, will have fired up some youngsters somewhere.
What single thing do you think would do most to encourage more cycling in the UK?
Proper training in considerate driving for all motorists, coupled with big fines for dangerous driving.
What has been your favourite cycling experience?
Riding the FBD Milk Race around Ireland in 1997, in fine weather with a bunch of decent lads.
What was your worst cycling experience?
Falling off on the last stage of the above race and failing to finish.
What is it about using your bike that you like the most?
The fact that I have got my son racing as well so he can hopefully get as much out of it as I’ve got - if not a career, then health and fun.
The answers given are the opinion of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of any organisation they may represent.
