Vision 1 Racing Blog:10 Questions with Vicki Whitelaw.

Here’s a quick update from Nicole Cooke’s Vision 1 Team Rider Vicki Whitelaw who’s been answering some questions about her experiences and being on the Vision 1 Team.

What is your background in Cycling?

I have now entered my 5th year on the bike. For 3 years I raced domestically within Australia, developing my road racing skills. Last year was my first time in Europe and I was based in Italy with the Australian National team. Vision 1 is my first professional team and I’m really enjoying things so far. We have a really tough racing calendar that incorporates some big tours and several World Cup races. Racing here in Europe is where it all happens.

What would you like to achieve in the next 5 years?

With each year, selection to represent Australia at the Road World Championships is a big goal. I want to continue to establish myself as a strong time trialist and capable road rider. I’m going to have a real crack at being selected for the 2012 London Olympics.

What are your strongest and weakest points?

In cycling terms my strength lies in my ability to maintain a high power output for an extended length of time. This has proved useful in time trials, breaks and working for the team.

Perhaps a more important strength I have is the support network I have outside of cycling. My faith, my husband, my family, my friends. They all help to keep me grounded and focused through the ups and downs of cycling.

My weak points: I can be impatient, wanting to see results now rather than accepting that development takes time and I have a tendency to over analyse. I’m a scientist by training which can be of great benefit but also a burden.

What would you say is your most prized cycling possession?

My long awaited Focus time trial bike. I’ve only had it a few days and have already raced it to 5th in the Grand Prix de Suisse. I like it… I like it a lot!

What would you class as your best ride or position to date and why?

It’s hard to choose but probably my best ride was my stage win in the 2008 Giro d’Italia. It was a time trial – the discipline that I love and there was strong competition for the win. It came as a lovely surprise as the legs and body had felt pretty tired after the previous solid stages of the tour. During the race, however, everything came together well – the corners, the lines, the power – it all just flowed. A perfect day.

Who is your favorite sports person and why?

Jens Voigt is one rider that I admire. He never quits, attacks consistently and looks to really enjoy his cycling. He also seems to have a balanced approach to cycling and family – characteristics that I hope to maintain in my life.

How do you relax after a race?

Usually there is mad rush to clean up and get on the road before I can begin to think about relaxing.

When I’m at home I love “coffee time” with friends in a good cafe. I also like to stay connected with people at home – Skype is fantastic for “socializing” long distance.

You are now riding for Vision 1 Racing. How are you finding it staying in Belgium rather than your native Australia?

I have found Belgium completely different in terms of the people’s appreciation for everything cycling. There are many more established cycle paths, lots more commuters and a multitude of cycling groups.

I’m also struck by the multitude of people. I come from Canberra, Australia which at times can be a bit of a ghost town!

The food is different… frites, frites, frites.

It’s not all good though… it rains a lot more here than at home. More rain at home would be good – we’ve been in drought for three years and it hasn’t rained in months – but it’s currently very easy to plan training rides with no risk of getting wet.

Vision 1 Racing are using EAS recovery drinks and gels – would you recommend them to other cyclists?

Yes – definitely. Recovery is so important, both in the daily training regime and for the performance longevity of an athlete… and nutrition is one of the essential aspects of recovery. As soon as I finish a training session or race it’s all about refueling in that 30 minute glycogen window. EAS carbohydrate powder makes it easy to refuel you quickly when you’re too tired to prepare food. It has the right balance of carbohydrates/protein and micro-nutrients for recovery. I love the chocolate flavored protein powder and mixed with half milk, half water it is also a fantastic recovery food.

I’m also very happy about the testing EAS has done to ensure their products are not contaminated with substances that could yield a positive drug test – that’s always a big concern for an elite athlete when taking any supplements.

Vicki Whitelaw & Vision 1 Racing are being sponsored by Focus for all their Bike Frames