Matt Rowe - Bio

Matt Rowe rides for the Rapha/Condor/ReCycling.co.uk squad and we asked him to tell us something about himself

I am 19 years old, and 2007 was a poor year for me as I suffered with Glandular Fever which took 3months to diagnose and a further 12 months to overcome. I am now over this illness, and looking to make my mark in 2008. Training is going well, and I am keen to race.

2007
Beaumont Trophy (PC) – 1st KOM Classification
Lincoln Grand Prix – 52nd
Richmond GP – 34th
Port Talbort Open 2-up 10mile TT – 1st with Luke Rowe (recycling.co.uk) 19.47
President Handicap Road Race – 2nd

2006 Junior
Sprints Jersey Tour of Wales
KOM Jersey – Martyn Ashfield Classic (Buckly #1)
1st - Martyn Ashfield Classic (Buckly #1) Stage 2
National Scratch Race – 2nd
National Madison Championships – 2nd
World Madison Championships – 6th

2005 Junior
European Scratch Race – 1st
World Scratch Race – 7th
Flanders Europe Classic – 14th
Wortegem Koerse – 17th

2004
I didn't race early season as had GCSE exams, then Broke my leg on the day of my last exam. Did not race this year, just rode my bike, keeping fit ready for 2005 season.

What was your first club?
Cardiff Ajax CC, a local club that I naturally joined, following my parents.
How/Why did you start cycling?
I started cycling because my old man bought me a bike, and I liked whizzing round the streets on it. Started going on club runs on the tandem, but soon realised it was harder than what I thought. I kept at it, as there was no escaping from the back of a tandem, and the hard element of cycling was what I thrived on. The feeling on a Sunday evening, where you struggle to walk up the stairs...can’t beat it.
Why did you begin racing?
I did a local race, did quite well, and liked the racing environment. That year, for Christmas, I got a racing bike, and went from there.
Best moment so far in your career?
Being on the British Junior Squad, learnt a lot here, and some big races. The best single achievement was winning the European scratch race, which was pretty cool and much unexpected which made it even more special.
Worst moment so far in your career? Not making the British Cycling Academy Programme, hit me quite hard, but have moved on now, and enjoying the sport more than ever.
Favourite event?
Madison on the track, and on the road, anything that’s on rolling roads...not too keen of the killer climbs!
Any ambitions in cycling?
To do my best, and see where it takes me. Ultimately a pro contract is the aim.
Any ambitions outside cycling?
Just to be happy. Sounds soft I know, but its true, if you’re happy all the time, what more do you want!? I’m happy 99% of the time, not a lot gets me down.
What is your focal point for 2008?
Focal point for the bike for 2008 is making my mark in the Premier Calendars’. Last year I was ill with glandular fever, done a few races on no training, but wasn’t good. This year, with training, I feel I can make an impact.
Where do you train?
Around South Wales where I live, in Cardiff. There are some cracking routes, flat rides along the "flats", or hilly routes over the Rhigos and Bwlch mountains; they’re pretty good for long rides, also the Brecon Beacons, which a lot of people will know of. Then there’s the lanes, which are nice and quiet, which is always good. There’s a strong cycling scene in South Wales, never short of people to go out with.
 
If given the choice –
Opera or pop?
Neither, but I would say pop. I'm more of a rap, rnb and dance music man. I love my music.
Beer glass half full or half empty?
Half Full, gotta be positive in such a hard sport.
Rain is liquid sunshine or just wet and something to grumble about?
Again, be positive, so I would say rain is only liquid sunshine. Your skin is waterproof at the end of the day, just a little less enjoyable.
Comics or books?
Magazine
Shakespeare or Jeffrey Archer?
Who?
Kylie or Britney?
They are both fit, but Britney is a bit nuts, so I'd say Kylie.
Action movies or French art house?
Action movies all the way.
Thatched cottages, modern or Greek classical architecture?
Modern, I like my gadgets, and new things. Just got the new ipod nano 8gb, that’s pretty cool.
Flares or drainpipe trousers?
Nice pair of trendy jeans.
I like soap operas?
No I don’t! Last few weeks, while I been of Uni, I have been watching a lot of daytime TV, things like Jeremy Kyle and Trisha. I am going to miss them when I go back to Uni!