1x10: Lucy Grant
The Locals Got Special Treatment in Water Pistol Alley, TweedLove Love Cross 2015. Photo: Off the Back Barbers & Photography
1. Can you introduce yourself and let our readers know a little bit about you?
My name is Lucy Grant, my main discipline is Cross Country but have been racing cross over the winter. 2015 was my first year racing in elite in XC and my 1st year as a senior in cross so it was a lot of learning for me.
2. How long have you been involved in cyclocross?
I have been racing cross for around 7 years.
3. What got you into the sport in the first place?
I’ve always been into cycling for as long as I can remember. My dad was the one who initially got me into cycling. I am very lucky where I live (Peebles) that cycling is one of the main sports in the area so its hard to live here and not ride a bike!
4. Can you remember the first CX race you went to, and how did it go?
The first cross race I went to was in 2008 on Mull at Cross at the Castle!
5. What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen at a cross race?
2015 TweedLove LoveCross, an urban cross race based around the center of Peebles, the course had including a ‘water pistol alley’, an opportunity to get socked by water guns mid race!
6. What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done at a race, on or off the bike?
At an SXC one year in Laggan, myself and another girl were in a sprint finish. The course lap had started in once place and finished in another. We both free wheeled across the actual finish line (totally oblivious that's what it was, despite the crowd) before sprinting to the previous start line to finish! We were confused by the fact there was no one there and quickly realised we had already passed the finish!
7. Do you have a favourite course, either to ride, or to spectate?
My favourite course was probably Irvine! I loved how different it was, and the beach sections.
8. Are there any riders you particularly admire?
I admire watching the kid’s race as it’s great to see their enthusiasm (despite the usually awful weather) and the variety of different bikes they race on.
9. Any particular highlights from this season?
Winning the Scottish Champs, mainly because it was such a surprise to me. Also the weekend of racing on Mull, because the atmosphere there seems to be unlike any other races, it is very chilled and fun as well as having the Santa Cross World Champs.
10. Finally, what are you looking forward to in the last few races of the season?
Dig In at the Dock will be my next and final cross race of the season so I am looking forward to racing it!
