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BILLY WHENMAN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Billy has also competed in several Marin Winter Series enduro races. Over the last couple years, we've seen him progress from a rider who could set a fast lap and ride with the leaders initially but would eventually fade toward the end of a 4-hour event, to one with the endurance to persevere. He put on an incredible display of speed and endurance just a few weeks ago in the second round of this year's Marin Winter Series. Billy shot off the line from the gun and never looked back. I'll be the first to admit, I thought he was doing some speed work and would pull from the event early. That wasn't to be the case though. Billy shattered the field and maintained his pace for the duration of the 4-hour event coming home over 21 minutes clear of his closest rival. What would be an impressive accomplishment for anyone is made all the more spectacular by the fact that, as stated in his interview below, Billy has only been doing endurance training and hasn't started his speed work yet. A couple days after the event, we had a "virtual sit-down" with Billy to find out a bit more about the racer, how he arrived at this point in his development, and where he sees himself headed. TMTBR: Can you give me a brief summary of your racing to this point? BW: I started cycling from the age of 8 and joined my first youth cycling club, Team Darenth, when I was 11. My first race was an under 12 cyclo-cross event. Two years later I got sponsored by Marin as an under 14 and have raced for Marin UK ever since as well as guesting for Whyte Racing UK in team events such as Dusk 'til Dawn. TMTBR: What category will you be racing in 2008? BW: I'll be racing as an Elite/Under 23 TMTBR: What are your short term and long term goals in bicycle racing? BW: For '08 my main goals are to get consistent top 10 results in the Elite/Under 23 races at national level, maybe even a few wins. I also want to race abroad more. I love racing in Belgium on the road. The speed and aggression is a real buzz and I'd like to get some top 10's or maybe even a win out there as well. My long term goals are to represent Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics in London and get a medal in the MTB as well as winning some World Cup/Championship medals. Riding in the Tour De France would be a real achievement. TMTBR: Most successful racers have a good support system helping them. Who are your behind-the-scenes supporters helping you reach your goals and what part do they play? BW: I have a lot of people who contribute towards my cycling. My mum, Cilla, and dad, Jim, are the main people who keep me on track and won't let me lose focus. They also make sure my nutrition is good and provide me with the best food and transport me all over the country. Paul Lasenby has had a huge impact upon my cycling since I joined Marin 5 years ago whether it is equipment advice or just tips and guidelines. Ian Whitehead and John Barclay have taken me to TMTBR: How big a part have Marin played in helping you achieve your goals? BW: I think it would be fair to say that without Marin (ATB Sales), I would not be where I am now. When they welcomed me onboard 5 years ago I was doing the occasional National event but mainly doing local club races. They've inspired me to ride my bike more and provided bikes, kit, and everything I've needed to go about fulfilling my ambitions. Since joining their team I have done well in National and International events, so they have played a huge role in my cycling. TMTBR: I heard through the grapevine that your dad is also your coach. How long has he been coaching you? BW: Yes my dad, Jim, is my coach. He has been coaching me for about 6 months now and I feel that I have made a lot of progress on the MTB and road. TMTBR: What is his background in cycling? Did he race at some point as well? BW: He used to race and time trial when he was a junior as did my granddad, uncle, and aunt. He still races now but not as serious, just for fun. TMTBR: Does he get out and ride with you? BW: When I go out for a spin or just a gentle ride he's always up for a ride. There's usually a group of riders from my old youth club, Team Darenth, who come out for a social night ride on Wednesdays. TMTBR: A lot of younger riders have a tendency to over train. As a coach, is your dad more likely to be pushing you to train more or is he more the voice of reason, making sure you don't over-do it? BW: It is true that a lot of riders over train. My dad does like to set me some nasty routes with big climbs, but he is more the voice of reason. If I say my legs don't feel too good or I don't feel well, then he thinks of an alternative route or training plan so I don't over train and so I can recover. TMTBR: Who do you view as your main competition for the coming season? BW: This year I am an Elite/Under 23 so obviously I am going to be up against a lot of very good riders as well as some Juniors I've competed against before, but until I get into the season I don't know who my main competition will be. TMTBR: What's the main focus of your winter training speed or endurance? BW: My winter training is more about endurance, getting the miles in really. Speed isn't necessary at the moment. All races I do in the winter are just for training. So endurance only as speed will come later toward the race season. TMTBR: What are your ideal race conditions and course profile? BW: Weather doesn't really bother me although I don't enjoy the cold. Rainy or dry races are great as I enjoy the speed of a dry race but also the technical aspect of a wet and slippery course where bike handling skills become vital. I also like hilly races because when you go up you usually know that a wicked downhill is coming next and I love downhills, especially if they have single track and drop-offs. My dream course would be flat at the start with plenty of super fast, twisty, flowing single-track, a few monster climbs followed by a long, slippery, twisty, rooty downhill with a big drop at the end leading to more single-track and maybe a river crossing. That would be great, a bit of everything really. TMTBR: You've done well at previous races in Thetford, often setting the fastest lap. How do you feel about the opening round of the NPS being in Thetford? BW: Yes, I have set the lap records various times; it's a bit of a habit really. I'm really looking forward to the 1 st NPS being at Thetford. I love racing there, the single-track is the best flowing single-track I've ridden. I am looking forward to it, hoping for a good result. TMTBR: Thanks for taking time out from your training to chat with us Billy. Is there anything else you'd like to add? BW: Without the organizers prepared to put the time and effort in, there would be no racing for us to do. So thank you, because we need you. TMTBR: Best of luck in 2008 Billy.
Major Accomplishments: 2007
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Perhaps one of the most difficult transitions in racing is the jump from top level Junior to Elite/Under 23 competition. This season Marin racer, Billy Whenman will be making that transition. You might say Thetford MTB Racing has had a track-side seat to this rider's development. At only 16 years of age he set the fastest lap at the 2005 Dusk 'til Dawn event riding as part of the winning 4-man Whyte UK racing team. He's gone on to repeat that accomplishment in 2006 and 2007.
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