Explore: One to watch – Cycling
Words: Emma Juhasz LIAM KILLEEN, BRITAIN’S OLYMPIC HOPEFUL IN MOUNTAIN BIKING, EXPLAINS WHY HE LOVES COOKING AND HOW HE STAYS AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION What got you into bikes? I’ve been into pedal bikes since I was very young, but then my grandfather introduced me to motorbikes when I was seven and I began racing [...]
Words: Emma Juhasz
LIAM KILLEEN, BRITAIN’S OLYMPIC HOPEFUL IN MOUNTAIN BIKING, EXPLAINS WHY HE LOVES COOKING AND HOW HE STAYS AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION
What got you into bikes?
I’ve been into pedal bikes since I was very young, but then my grandfather introduced me to motorbikes when I was seven and I began racing motocross.
And when did you start mountain biking?
My friends were really into it and when I was about 12 we went to watch the Malvern Hills Classic a local race near where I live and I was gripped by the speed and excitement of it all. Then I was given a mountain bike that Christmas and that was it, I was hooked from there.
When did you fi rst compete?
I started by mucking around on my bike after school and then I decided to enter some local races. The fi rst one I entered I came fi fth in the under-17 class. After that I progressed into national events.
What does it take to be a professional?
You’ve got to be disciplined and determined as it’s a tough ride to make the grade in this sport and there’s a lot of competition.
Tell us about the training.
I train 12-15 hours on the bike each week and go to the gym once or twice a week. I have to eat healthily but I really enjoy cooking and looking for new recipes, so this is one of the perks of the job for me.
What’s the scariest thing that’s happened to you on a bike?
I’ve been pretty lucky to stay injury-free during my career except for the odd cut and graze through small mishaps. I’d like to keep it that way!
If you hadn’t been a biker, what would you have done?
Maybe I’d have been a musician like Dad, who’s a guitarist, or maybe a downhill skier if I could get to the snow more often. But my favourite conditions for biking are hot, dry and dusty ones.
Who do you most admire in the sport?
Ned Overend. He won his fi rst title in 1990 and is still racing strongly against the top riders, despite being in his fi fties now. Lance Armstrong has obviously achieved extraordinary feats during his career. What’s next? I have to keep realistic goals but I like to stretch the boundaries of my abilities. I won Gold at the Commonwealth Games in Australia and I fi nished third in my fi rst World Cup last year, so winning Gold at the Olympics is now a major objective.
PEDAL POWER LIAM’S CV
LIAM KILLEEN, 25, (whose nickname is Killah) was born in Malvern, Worcestershire. He has been racing since 1995 and was 18 when he was fi rst selected to ride for the British National Team. After winning bronze at the Commonwealth Championships in 2002 aged 20, he turned professional the following year. At the same time, Killeen became the overall winner of the Under-23 World Cup Series. He won Gold at the Commonwealth Olympics in 2006 and can be seen in action at the World Championships in Scotland, 3-9 September. Visit www.uci.ch for further information
