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.