DHL Sprint School

Sprint School Rider of the Month -October

Matthew Rotherham
DHL Sprint School
Age:                             13
Track league:            ACT Manchester
Bike:                            Fuji Track Pro

 

How long have you been riding and why did you start?
I have been riding for 4 ½ years with Eastlands Velo, based in Manchester.  I began competitive racing 18 months ago.  It all began when my dad took me to watch the Monday night track league when I was 9 and I said I would like to have a go.


Let’s talk sprint school – how many have you been selected for?
I have been selected for all 6 of the sprint schools.  Unfortunately i was only able to make 5 as one of them clashed with the northern region Omnium up in Dundee.


Have you enjoyed them? What’s been your highlight?
I have really enjoyed every one of them, but my favourite has to be sprint school 6. I learnt a lot more because of the video analysis and that we spent most of our track time racing.  I also enjoyed the workshop.


Who is your favourite cyclist?
My favourite cyclist has to be Chris Hoy, but being a Bolton lad, some of my support has to be with young Jason Kenny.


What have your biggest successes this season been?
In February i broke the BSCA National U14 roller records at both 500m and 1km.  At the Omnium in Edinburgh I broke the u14 200m Scottish record, setting a new Scottish and all comers record.  I finished 2nd in the northern region Omnium, qualifying for the final, where i came 2nd.  At the national track championships in august I finished in 3rd place.  At the nationals I also broke my personal best times in both the 200m and 1500m.  I won the youth roller event at the Liverpool stage of the Tour of Britain.


What are your plans for the rest of the season?
With the season nearly over, i am now concentrating on the track league in preparation for the new season.


What else do you do in your spare time?
Spare time! You have got to be kidding! No seriously, any spare time I do have is spent relaxing, watching TV, playing on my ps3 and generally chilling out.

 

We'll be featuring one new rider each month. If you'd like to be the Sprint School rider of the month, send an email to info@sprintschool.com, answering the questions above (and anything else you'd like to add) and attach a picture of yourself too.