1x10: Iain Pryde
1x10: Iain Pryde
Photo: S. Jessiman
1. Can you introduce yourself and let our readers know a little bit about you?
Hi, I am Iain Pryde, I’m originally from Kinross I moved to the North East some 20 years ago and I live near Alford in Aberdeenshire. Currently I race for Deeside Thistle, but recently I have been approached to sign a pro contract with Sparta Breda. The negotiations have stalled a bit and I think the lawyers will stop the move this time round, but maybe next season…
I help out organising the Knockburn round of the Scottish CX Series and race a bit on the road as well.
2. How long have you been involved in cyclocross?
My first experience of cyclocross was watching Sportscene in the late 70’s and then I raced it a couple of times in 2011. In 2013 (I think) I started helping out at the Knockburn CX event.
3. What got you into the sport in the first place?
I am a “johnny come late” to cross. I didn’t race my first event until 2010 or 2011. There was a race at Knockburn so I thought I would give it a go. I really liked it and my whole family raced too which was pretty cool.
4. Can you remember the first CX race you went to, and how did it go?
At Knockburn in 2010 or 2011 and, in my head, I was amazing.
5. What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen at a cross race?
The howling wind and rain at Mull and everyone going out a racing in it claiming that “This isnae actually that bad.” Children were getting blown off their bikes and everyone still turned out to do the same the following day – but dressed as Santa.
6. What’s the most embarrassing thing you have done at a race, on or off a bike?
I one had a swim before my bike race, then afterwards had a run.
7. Do you have a favourite course, either to ride, or to spectate?
I don’t really have a favourite as each year every course seems to be different from previous years with changing layout and weather conditions, I like the change. A couple of years ago we put a race on in Alford which was brilliant. Awesome little course, on my doorstep and that was special
8. Are there any riders you particularly admire?
Loads and all for different reasons. Jane Barr is lighting it up this year and great to watch and I would like to see Isla Short race this year. Cameron Mason is floating around the park which is a delight to watch, and I really enjoy seeing Davie Lines riding with his huge power. I learn a lot from watching Davie Hamill thinking his way around a course and I admire the way that Malcolm Bain is quietly going about his racing and now appearing on the podium, however my all time favourite rider has to be Struan Pryde.
9. Any particular highlights from last season?
Getting to watch Helen Wyman at Dig In. I’ve raced at every Dig In race and each one seemed to be the best one all for different reasons. Being in the same program as Jimmy Mac, Ben Greenwood, Jeremy Durrin, Kelvin White and all the other pros that have raced there over the years is really cool but seeing Helen race in February topped it for me.
10. Finally, what are you looking forward to for this season.
Counting down the sleeps to Rouken.
