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January 9, 2010 | 08:46 GMT
Ashley stunned many of us by shooting up from 4th to 1st Category rider in his first year of competitive cycling, and has recently joined Team Corley.
The Beds Road News Team spent some time with Ash over the holidays and have compiled a Q&A, read on...
Q - So what made you sign for Corleys?
A - For me there are several reasons for joining a team. I think to progress in sport you have to surround yourself with people who are doing the same thing as you (i.e. doing national races), who are better than you and have been there and done it. The guys at Corleys have a ton of experience racing at the top level in this country, hopefully they can pass on some of that experience. There's also the team spirit, it's much more fun turning up to races (rather than turning up on your own) in a team of riders. Just from the couple of training rides I have been on, you can tell they have a good 'crack' but are all serious about their racing. There's also the financial aspect, this is a major help as it is expensive to do a full season of national racing, and the team support at the races too, you really need a helper at races to bottle for you; at times this year I was on my own and you cant go to national level races on your own and hope to succeed.
Q - So does signing for the Team mean that you're turning professional?
A - No I'm not turning professional, no one on the team is professional everyone has a day job, however one of my goals for the future is to get to semi-pro level it would be nice to earn some money back for my efforts!!!
Q - Have you been surprised by your progress in such a short space of time?
A - Yes I'm surprised at my progress. I had never done any competitive cycling before the start of the season, but you can kind of get an idea of the level you are at by training with other people. My goal before the start of the season was to get my 2nd cat road race licence, so I was really pleased how quick I got it - about 6 weeks I think, and 3 months for my 1st cat. As you have success your goals change and towards the end of the season my goals were to get a top 20 in a premier calendar road race. I actually got 18th at Richmond GP, and 11th in the British TT Champs; so I was real pleased. I worked hard, and kind of just followed one piece of advice a friend gave me: 'never give up'.
Q - What are your goals for 2010?
A - My goals for 2010 are to get my Elite licence - which I didn't quite get last year. Just to work hard, enjoy my racing and the results will take care of themselves. I will be doing most of the Premier Calendar Road Race and hopefully some of the Tour Series Crits, I do have some specific goals but I prefer to keep them to myself for now.
Q - How has Beds Road helped you in the last year to get where you are?
A - Beds Road has helped me quite a lot, especially Leo. He got me into time trialling (I think mainly because he wanted to sell me a frame!!! only joking!!). Had I not joined BRCC I probably would not have got into time trialling so I'm pleased I joined and appreciate the help from Leo. BRCC is a great club, you only need to look at the evening league. It would be great to see some more people turning up to road races.
Q - What do you like most about Beds Road?
A - Its a very friendly club, everyone involved is keen and wants to see the club grow.
Q - Will you continue you membership while riding for Corley?
A - Yes I will join as 2nd claim.
Q - Will we see you at any of our events in the coming season?
A - Yeah I will probably try and do some of the early spoco TT's, and some of the evening league.
Best wishes to Ash from all at Beds Road!
If you have a story to tell or a rider profile that you'd like to share then send it on to news@bedsroad.org.
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