Wolverhampton-based Andy Tennant is one frustrated cyclist at the moment as he prepares for four weeks on the sidelines.
He may be one of the future stars of British Cycling, but an injury sustained in a recent race has left him sidelined for four weeks with a broken wrist.
He said: “It is so annoying – all I want to do is get back on the bike. I am missing loads of stage races which are crucial for background fitness so it’s very difficult having to make do with an indoor bike.
Andy, who lives in Finchfield, got into cycling after a friend brought a “slighter better mountain bike than the one I had,” he recalls.
After joining Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club, he has since racked up a host of international medals, including gold at the Junior World Championships in 2005 and is now a regular member of the Great Britain squad, in a sport he clearly lives for.
He said: “I couldn’t really tell you what it is I love about cycling. I just love the racing and the satisfaction of winning. Everything about is fantastic.”
His love of the sport may be somewhat boosted by the fact that every summer for the last three years Andy has been training out in the beautiful surroundings of Quarrata, Italy. This may sound very glamorous but as he explains there is no time for sight-seeing.
He said: “We can train up to 900km a week out there, perhaps more if we are not in a race week. Usually we do a combination of flat and climbing sprints and effort training which can take us up to 1,000m above sea level in the hills.”
Andy benefits through a Bursary from Atos Origin, the Worldwide IT Partner for the Olympic Games, who are dedicated to a long-term commitment to support Team GB. The Bursary provides financial support to pay for coaching, equipment and other essentials.
Andy is one of 12 young and talented athletes who benefit from the scheme. With the National Road Championships looming on June 29 in Helmsey, North Yorkshire, he is hoping to take his experience of training with the senior squad and put it to good use in his next major event.
He said: “It is amazing being around such inspiring people within cycling. I know Olympic champion Chris Hoy quite well and I always chat to gold medallist Bradley Wiggins at the events.”
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