Introducing Shaun Hurrell

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

I’m 17 years young.

Where do you live?

I live in Boreham.

Could you describe it?

I live in Boreham.

Are you working/studying?

I’m in year 13 at KEGS finishing off my A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Geography/PE.

What are your career aims?

I’m going to have a gap year then probably Uni. Thing is, I don’t know what I want to study yet! (maybe medicine/bio sciences/sport science) has anyone got any advice?

What are your cycling aims?

At least this question’s easy: ride for Great Britain again this/next year, with a major goal being the World Mountain Bike Cross-Country Championships held in Scotland next year and get a podium. I got a silver at the National Champs this year as a first year junior, so I’m aiming for gold next year obviously and to win the whole National Points Series. Then ultimately I’m going to ride the 2012 Olympics for MTB XC at Weald Park.

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

I started off just riding my mountain bike just for fun in the local woods in Danbury with my mates/my Dad. Then I went to an ‘Improve’ event (old version of Go-Ride I think) that was supporting a Thetford MTB National and as I did pretty well they said I should go along to Beastway, which I did for fun. Basically I just loved (and still do) mountain biking. But really I only started riding seriously when I got selected for the Talent Team from school testing at the start of 2005. With which I immediately broke my collar bone! This year has been my first proper season.

Is cycling in your family, as it were?

So no, cycling’s not in my family. My Dad only started doing the odd mountain bike race after I did (although he did get me into pottering about in the woods for fun). My brother does BikeTrials which I used to do a bit of too.

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

I think Liam Killeen (gold at Commonwealth Games) or Oli Beckinsale are my heroes at the moment (Oli is a legend- he was at the European Champs I went to). I’m a good technical rider but at the European Champs after my race when I was watching the U23s, the Swiss rider, Nino, was minutes ahead of everyone else and was soooo smooth on the technical stuff.

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?

Other than above, since the Talent Team I’ve done some track which was good (but to be honest so was riding the fixed-wheel bike backwards in circles because of the fixed wheel!) and I do a lot of road as it is very good strength training and I’m aiming to do a lot more than finishing in the bunch in the National road races next year. I have done 2 time-trials (one which I did pretty well in (note on the drops with mountain bike shoes and pedals) in a Surrey League 5-day event. I also got 7^th overall in the National Trophy Cyclo-X series last year. Touring-wise, we rode the whole of the South Downs Way in a weekend with the Talent Team.

What do you favour now?

Do remember though, I am a Mountain Biker!

Do you shave your legs? If so, why?

I do shave my legs yes (reluctantly at first!) because errr… I get told off if I don’t! But seriously I think it looks more professional and should be done (it makes them a lot easier to massage). I make up for it though by growing the hair on my head longer (much to Colin’s disgust!)

Do you pursue other sports?

I love skiing in the winter and do some BikeTrials in my spare time. I used to skateboard.

What interests do you have outside of sport?

Music - I play guitar and like going to see my favourite bands, girls, driving, more music.

What brought you to the Glendene?

I was approached by Colin and Bob to join the Junior Team (I think I have Alex Dowsett to thank for that).

What were your first impressions of the Club?

Professional, really friendly and helpful.

What do you think now?

Professional, really friendly and really helpful.

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

I met most on the training camp, and the off-roaders at Beastway.

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

I think the winter training rides are great, they are just what I need for winter training.

Do you have any suggestions for extra activities/events?

More MTB.

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

My Dad was taken down by a badger on a night ride (and Dad came off worse than the badger).

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

Lets just say jumping and SPDs did not mix very well when I first started…

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

I follow my training plan set by my coach (Talent Team) pretty strictly actua

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

People worry about catching up on training when they’ve been ill, but it is far better to miss training for a day or two and get loads of rest, for a full recovery before training again. Loud, heavy music is awesome for phsyching you up before a race. But above all, its all in the jelly beans.

What achievement or happening has given you most satisfaction?

Winning the 4^th round of the National Points Series (MTB XC) by millimetres.

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

It is definitely improving which is awesome, especially noticeable in younger categories where there are lots of younger riders taking part.

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

Yes