NFTO’s Welshman, Rhys Lloyd, who has been racing bikes forever but still needs ID to buy booze, loves a bit of banter with a Q & A so here’s his on VeloUK!
Xmas Feature – Rhys Lloyd
1. With your team all sorted for 2016, what races are you looking forward to most next season?
Rhys: It’s great to be sorted again at NFTO for 2016. It’s the best team with a great group of men who enjoy one another’s company. I’m looking forward to racing again in general. I just love bike racing and after some time off, I’m just working on the condition and enjoying being a bike rider again.
2. What were your highlights in 2015?
Rhys: My highlights were the three wins I got. Punching the air as a bike rider is always the best feeling, but we had so many laughs through this season, 2015 in general will be a great memory when I look back at it in years to come.
3. What race was the most fun in 2015 and why?
Rhys: The RAS over in Ireland. You experience the highs and lows over eight days and the boys will tell you I was very ILL going over there with my new friend (EMMA). But good bait and making sure’ OIL’ was called, got me through the first days. From there, helping Bibby to the stage win swung morale in the right direction and as a team, we left our mark on the Irish scene.
4. What role did you have in the team in 2015 and do you see that changing in 2016 with Tom as DS?
Rhys: I’m very versatile as a bike rider and will always fill the gaps well. Crits, stage races, flat or hilly days. I always turn up in good condition and put in a shift. You need guys like myself in a team and NFTO has a few Ferrari’s and some real diesels. I slot in somewhere in the middle.
Things went well this year but now with Tom at the helm, with his experience and humour and how he is with people, I think we are in good hands for 2016.
This was Rhys in 2005 racing as a junior… still looks the same LoL
5. Tell us about your winter training bike, what is different about it compared to your race bike?
Rhys: I’m on my team bike at the moment, so just riding it how I’ve ridden it all year, ‘fully ey a’quad up’.
6. How will you spend December on the bike?
Rhys: For me through December, getting out there every day is key, plenty of 39 x 16, out there with the boys. Two to three hours and stop for a gallon of coffee & beans on toast. Then two to three hours home with some 53 x 17 ‘suplesse’ to round it off. Just building the condition man. I’m going to Lanzarote with some of the ‘taffia’ (Welsh crew) next week so that will help break the dark days of winter up.
7. A cheeky Xmas one – if you could have any cycling related Xmas present – what would it be!
Rhys: If I could have anything cycling related for Xmas it would be a mega drawstring beanie hat to wear out training, Sempre al top.
Thanks Rhys and watch that funny bone round Tom, he’s seriously dangerous that man!
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