Interview Amy Perryman
The UK is having a young golden generation in cyclocross now. Amy Perryman is one of these hungry young lions. The corona pandemic has a big impact on many young athletes who are wanting to make their way to the top but despite all of this, she managed to become a full time cyclist in 2020. It's only the beginning of her journey. The almost 20 years old rider is ambitious and tells you about them here. A nice conversation where she guides you through the life of a young cyclist.
You've enjoyed many disciplines in
cycling. What made you choose Cyclocross and mountain biking?
I initially started out racing bikes on
the track with my local club Solent Pirates but eventually I got
bored of riding in circles and soon moved over to the dark side of
racing once I'd discovered cyclocross. I found I could test my limits
more off road and I got more of an adrenaline rush from it all, so
naturally because I enjoyed it more I was much better at it. As I've
got older my love for both disciplines has increased as I've had more
experiences, for instance the crowd atmosphere at a Belgian
Cyclocross race or the incredible mtb trails in the French alps.
On your blog, you wrote an
interesting piece about stress that could be recognisable for many
young athletes. Which advice would you give to other young readers
that feel the same right now?
The past two years have been key in my
growth as an athlete and a person. I became a full time athlete in
March 2020 and although what may look like the dream scenario of
being able to ride/train whenever and wherever, I have experienced
major highs and lows along the journey so far. The covid pandemic has
definitely caused bumps along the road, like it has for everyone; it
really put pressure on riders my age (in the key progression years of
the sport) to get good results in the races that did happen, in order
to get on a new team or open up THAT breakthrough opportunity. My
advice for others would be focusing on staying present, not worrying
about where your future will be or what has happened previously, you
are where you are in this very moment and only your decisions in that
moment will affect what happens next. Essentially: quit stressing and
enjoy all the things within your sport that got you hooked in the
first place :)
It's your 5th cyclocross campaign
now, what are your ambitions for this Winter?
Wow yes my 5th proper season now, time
flies hey! If you'd asked me this question this time last year my
answer would have been very different, with aims of World cup
selections and national podiums. However this year my ambitions have
had to be adjusted due to an period of illness right before my CX
season kickstarted :( I've been slowly improving my fitness over the
past 3 months and have had to really focus on the process rather than
the outcome of my races (tricky for any athlete!). I'd say my main
goal this year is based around confidence. After being knocked back
many times I've found the confidence young Amy radiated has
disappeared and building it back will be key for my progression.
Which tracks suit you the best?
Anything that would be considered
technical or sketchy is right up my street, and if you add a generous
helping of mud into the mix, even better. CX courses such as Namur,
Diegem and Baal with lots of corners, off cambers, ruts and even
sand, they really suit my abilities. I'm not so keen on a lot of
climbing but I can descend fast so I can make up for any time lost.
You made a very accessible and good
website. Do you like to communicate with your fans?
Initially I was unsure about creating a
blog as I thought only my Mum and Gran would read it haha! But as
I've discovered over the last year many more people are actually
interested in what I'm up to and are supporting me. Also, I find
writing my blog is a good way to clear up what's going on in my brain
and look back at what I've achieved/ learnt each month. I enjoy
interacting and keeping people updated on my social media accounts as
well as seeing the kind comments people post, over the years my
socials have almost become something of a timeline/diary of my
career/life.
Who are/were your cycling idols?
As a youth rider I really looked up to
Laura Trott for her positive attitude and general 'coolness' and
obviously Helen Wyman as she was making big moves in the womens CX
scene at the time. Like many other girls at the moment Evie Richards
is a huge inspo, showing through her socials that cycling and being
an athlete doesn't take away your femininity, whilst being an
absolute hitter in the off road scene. I could name drop so many
others but would run out of space, there are just so many women
bossing it in cycling at the moment.
Do you rely heavily on stats &
numbers or do you prefer to train more on your instinct?
Personally I prefer to train on
instinct as I can just focus mentally on pushing myself to the max
during efforts or if out on a Z2 training ride just enjoying being
outdoors on my bike with friends. However, like any cyclist, I do
enjoy looking at the stats post-ride/race or if I got any QOMs on
strava (hit up my strava @AmyPerryman ;). Also, having the stats
really helps my coach with setting my training, enabling an
understanding of fatigue level as well as clearly showing progression
in form.
Is there any advice that you would
give to race organizations?
The UK CX scene definitely has some
adjusting to do when running a cyclocross event. Having raced out in
Belgium and Netherlands a lot now, you start to understand how
different the racing is. There are many factors that could change but
one main point is that when racing abroad the organisers provide a
handful of stationary jet washers/water for the pit crew however in
the UK everyone brings their own petrol powered jet wash?! - I can
tell you now the climate isn't too happy about it and the same goes
for people's bank accounts!
What are your ambitions for the long
term?
I would love to move abroad and live in
Europe during the summer, where I can train on new roads/trails, meet
new people, open up more opportunities and experience a totally
different way of life. During the winter I really want to complete
the full CX season (sept-jan) abroad racing the three main CX series:
Superprestige, X20 badkamers and ethias cross as well as potentially
some world cup events. Getting on a professional continental CX team
would really increase my chances of being able to achieve this goal.
