Introducing :
Jason Ludgate
(Senior B)
May
2002 |
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What
was your introduction to cycling ?
I was never very interested in cycling, I played
rugby for years but got a bad knee injury, then I spent a
few years getting nice and plump so I had to find
something to keep me fit and the weight down. So out I
went and bought a mountain bike, met a few guys in
Rathfarnham and headed up the Dublin mountains and got my
arse kicked!. If you think it`s bad getting left in
somewhere like Oldtown you don`t what to find yourself
left on the top of some mountain and not a road in sight.
After a while I put slick tyres on the bike and
started riding on the road more, eventually I bought a
road bike and met up with the lads from Swords at the
Lord Mayors one Sunday morning and knew straight
away that I preferred the road.
Your
first big win?
First win a club league race in the black
bull, unfourtunally there's only been a couple
since.
(Does winning a training spin sprint count? !) |
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Your
best season?
The first year I started riding open races, I
think it was 1998, I was at my fittest and the
first taste of open racing is a great experience.Right : Photo
taken before 2003 Leinster C/ship
in which Jason won the C-Race>>
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Gorey
how many and best performance?
I rode the Gorey for the first time last year. It`s a
great weekend and really enjoyed it, apart from the
second stage when I got a bit of a hammering.Only
for the small matter of me being on my honeymoon I`d
be doing this year. ( and the fact I`ve done no training
and am very unfit)
Memories of
racing (or
touring)
overseas?
The first time I brought the bike overseas was last
year when we went to do some training for two
weeks in the costa del sol. It was great to get away to
the sun in February and being able to just ride the bike
all day. I could not recommend a trip like this enough so
next time you hear of a group heading off get your name
down!. I`ll be a bit jealous this year when the
lads head off. I`d love to go to France or Spain some
time to take in some of the big tour climbs, so let me
know if you know of anyone thinking of it.
How long with
Swords & why you joined (or why you stay)?
I`ve been with Swords for about 5 years, I joined
because my contract with Mapei had run out!
Favourite
present day Pro's?
It`s hard to pick one but I was impressed with the
way Jan Ullrich rode last year in the Tour, he kept the
pressure on Armstrong and never gave up .Who would
have had Jalabert down to win the Polka dot jersey
after the ladder incident, it`s great to see him still
get big results.
Favourite Pro
race?
Over the last couple of years the Tour of Spain has
to be my favourite race it his seen the most exciting
racing, this has to be put down to the shorter stages
lets hope this year is the same
Present bike?
Colnago Dream, i`ve had this bike for 3 years it`s a
great frame and i`ll hold on to it for another
couple of years (although Richie thinks it`s time I
bought a new one)
Race day
nutrition?
Cereal and a banana in the morning and then for the
race energy bars and drink.
What
do you love most about cycling?
When you know your at your fittest, it`s a
great feeling when your going really well. A bit
of slagging out on a spin is always good.Interested in
any other sports?
Rugby , International Football and a bit of
Cricket.
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Favourite
Cycling Magazine?
Cycle Sport, never go to the Toilet without it!
Best Cycling
Book(s) you have read?
Lance Armstrong (It`s Not About The Bike) , Paul
Kimmage was good well before it`s time.
What advise
would you give to 1st year racer?
Don`t listen to people like me! Don`t believe
everything a rider tells you, Talk to the guys
that have done it all before.
How can they
then turn good performances into good results?
Use your head and think. - Your not supposed to be
listening to me.
Favourite
cycling holiday destination?
Only been to the Costa Dell Sol, But anywhere with
warm sunshine has got to be good.
Favourite
tea stop
Tara Hill with the Thursday Group when i really
should be in work.
Most
enjoyable Tour (non racing)
You can`t beat the Wicklow 200 , There is always
a great crowd and an even better route.
Why would
you recommend Swords CC
You get to meet a Great bunch of people all with
different cycling abilities.
May
2002
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