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Paddy Bevin: Cycling Tribe Interview
Q. So Paddy, you have just signed your first Pro contract with Bissell, how does it feel?It’s a very cool feeling, one that I am sure most riders who make the step will remember fondly! Changing teams mid season means a little bit of hoop jumping so I have had a while for it to sink in while things have been ironed out.
Q. Now that you're with Bissell, does that change your goals & priorities for the rest of 2010?
For sure, it means I have a large step up in calibre of races from the outset. Some goals such as u23 World Champs stay the same and are only enhanced by the opportunity to have more top level racing.
Q. How do you see your role with Bissell?
For the time being very much development. I have a boat load to learn but am lucky to be learning it off some great riders and a great management set up who are ready to get the ball rolling.
Q. You recently raced the Tour of the Gila, what was it like to be out there shoulder to shoulder racing the likes of Levi Leipheimer, Dave Zabriskie & Lance Armstrong?
Ha! I barely got to rub shoulders, I got to watch them float away up the hills a couple of times? I cant say it was my most enjoyable race experience going straight to altitude and jumping into the race but that’s life. That aside the novelty factor of racing with those guys was certainly there.
Q. So far this year both at home in New Zealand and in the US you're having loads of success and have spent a lot of time on the top step of the podium, would you say it's due to training, added motivation, a strong team or a combination of all?
A mixture of all 3. As my frist year in the senior ranks I certainly have had more than my share of success. From the root of it all I am very fortunate to have amazing parents who have supported me and I have made leaps and bounds riding my bike full time.
Q. As a kid growing up in New Zealand, what or who inspired you to want to be a professional cyclist?
To be honest I am not sure. I am lucky to have found a sport where I both enjoy the training and the racing and one I excel at. It’s a win win combination.
Q. Do other kiwi riders such as Greg Henderson give you advice on how to make it at the top level?
I have never actually met Greg but have been lucky enough to ride and spend a little bit of time with Julz (Julian Dean) ,a couple of times actually, through a friend and he is a guy I have a massive amount of time for. He is genuinely a top guy both on and off the bike and someone that I take a lot of inspiration from, he does his job in a professional manor and has been doing it a long time! (would have loved to see him win the Giro Stage this morning!)
Q. How do you find being so young and living and working a long way from family & friends?
It comes and goes. Sometimes its not an issue then other times you find yourself missing home. Facebook and Skype are certainly saving graces!!
And finally...
Q. If you could be any super hero, who would you be and why?
Ive never really been into comics/superhero cartoons!! Am a bit of a fan so does Bumble Bee from Transformers count? Anything that is a Chevy Camaro and a robot is cool in my books!
Thanks for chatting with us Paddy, and good luck in you career with Bissell!
To see how Paddy is going, follow him on Twitter http://twitter.com/PaddyBevin
