Getting to know Alice Monger-Godfrey

Would you mind telling me something about yourself please? First, how old are you?

I am 17

Where do you live?

In Ewell which is near Epsom

Could you describe it?

It’s a nice area with some nice roads to ride on but sometimes a little too hilly.

. Are you working/studying?

Yes I’m doing my A levels at Nonsuch High School for Girls Sixth form

What are your career aims?

Obviously to become a Pro Cyclist but if that doesn’t happen then an Osteopath.

What are your cycling aims?

Well, I achieved my aim this year by representing Great Britain at the European Road Championships so I would like to do that more often. Also to become a Pro.

What first interested you in riding a bike? I know we all rode bikes as kids but when did you begin riding seriously?

I didn’t really take it seriously because I was picked up through talent team so I thought riding was easy, and it got me out of a maths lesson, but once I understood cycling and the opportunities it gave me I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

Is cycling in your family, as it were?

Nope but I get lots of support.

Do you (or did you) have a cycling hero - someone you really admire and hope to emulate?

I think its better to focus on yourself and achieve the best you can however, its good to see how other cyclist win and learn from them.

Would you mind telling me your cycling story? In other words what have you done in cycling since you first began to consider yourself a cyclist? Have you toured, road-raced, track raced, time trialled, or ridden off-road?

I was selected by the Talent Team and therefore rode a range of disciplines, and after experiencing all of them I preferred the track but especially road. I just compete on the road mainly but sometimes on the track.

What do you favour now?

Definitely Road racing as it is the best!!!

Do you shave your legs? If so, why?

Yes not because of cycling but because I am a woman.

Do you pursue other sports?

I used to swim before I cycled but I don’t have time to play other sports as cycling is very time consuming.

What interests do you have outside of sport?

Going out shopping with my girlfriends mostly.

What brought you to the Glendene?

I went on a training camp to Valencia as a guest and Colin asked if I wanted to join after he saw me suffering in the Mountains, and I gladly accepted.

What were your first impressions of the Club?

I loved it as everyone was so friendly and the support was amazing. I can’t fault it!

What do you think now?

The same!

Do you know many of the other members? If not, how will you get to know them?

I do know most of them but not as many as I would like to. I am going to try and come to club meetings but it’s quite a long journey for me.

Does the Club meet your needs and, if not, in what way does it fall short?

It meets all my needs especially with the endless support. Without Glenedene this year I don’t think I would be where I am today.

Do you have any suggestions for extra activities/events?

If possible do more training weekends and camps as everyone can bond and all race each other.

Do you have any cycling stories you can share with us?.

Not really.

Do you have any stories you are not prepared to share with us? But are prepared to hint about?

No sorry my cycling life is not that interesting.

How do you train? Do you have a plan? If so, do you follow it?

I follow a training plan set by my coach Stuart Blunt and we work around races and key events. I couldn’t train without a plan.

Do you have any training tips you are prepared to share?

Just push yourself hard each session but I think it’s just as important or even more important to rest and recover properly.

What achievement or happening has given you most satisfaction?

Winning Brentwood because I wanted to win it for Glendene as it was where we are based, but also representing Great Britain at the European Road Race Championships as I have always wanted to ride in my country’s colours.

What do you think of the current state of cycling in Britain?

After being in Belgium for 2 weeks I think for women if you do not get onto any podium programmes going abroad and racing brings you on a lot further than racing in Britain.

Do you have any views, or opinions, you would like to share with your clubmates?

Just keep trying and enjoying racing, and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. However, it is made easier with a great club like Glendene to support you all the way.