CYCLING TIPS FROM INEOS PRO, BEN TURNER

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TRAIN?

A tricky question when you’re talking to a virtual room full of riders aged 13-18 at different stages in their development and with different ambitions in the sport. Ben’s simple for riders at this age was simple – “do what you fell like doing at this age – there’s plenty of time for things to get serious later on”. But if you do one thing, it’s to jump at any chances offered to you to have a go at things. So whether that’s a first time on a velodrome, a regional racing school or a training camp with riders your own age – go for it!

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A RACE ON THE DAY?

As a professional, Ben told us there’s a fairly standard routine for race day most of the time and it involves eating, team meetings to talk through race routes and tactics, then as much relaxation as possible before the flag drops. We also found out who is in charge of the music on the Team Ineos bus, but you have to be on the webinar if you want access to that kind of insider knowledge!

DEADLING WITH INJURY:

Since turning pro, Ben has had more than his fair share of injuries so he’s had plenty of time to mull this one over. His advice when injury strikes is to stay calm and stay confident. You’ve been fit before and you’ll be fit again, you’re young and there’s no need to rush back to racing.

HANDLING NERVES:

The good news about nerves is that even the best like Ben get nervous before a race. His advice to young riders in particular is to remember that you’re just there to have fun and enjoy riding your bike and the experience of being in a race.

WHO INSPIRED BEN TO GET INTO CYCLING:

For Ben it was the professional riders who lived near him who were his inspiration. Having riders who he could watch in person and even ride with from time to time was a big part of setting him on the path to the professional ranks. When it comes to Idols, it was the riders who were dominating in his junior specialism of cyclo-cross who he followed more closely. Zdeněk Štybar and Mathieu van der Poel are two riders who Ben wanted to be like when he was progressing through the ranks – and now they’re part of the same peloton!

BEN’S FAVOURITE RACE:

Despite having a Tour de France start under his belt, Ben nominated the Tour of Britain as he is favourite race with the opportunity to race on home roads in front of friends and family being an experience you just can’t top.

WHAT’S THE ROUTE TO THE TOP?

Ben is a rider who turned pro a little later than some of his peers, and until his early twenties, his race programme was more focused on cyclo cross – yet he’s made it to one of the top teams in the sport whilst still in his early twenties. Ben’s view on the right route to the top was that it heavily depended on the rider. For riders who are good at (and enjoy) track racing there’s a very well worn path via British Cycling funded programmes, but they’re not right for everyone. So don’t rush things and take it step by step as you find your direction in the sport.

WHAT’S THE BEST COUNTRY TO RIDE IN?

Ben loves Andorra and Spain for the climate (but not necessarily for the terrain given his physique!) whilst Belgium is also a favourite for the opposite reasons!

WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL RACE?

Our last question to Ben was about what his ideal race would be like. And on his wish list were cobbles, maybe some gravel and a good bit of wind. Roubaix is the closest thing to perfect for him and we wish him the best of luck as he prepares for the spring classics this year!