Local Riders Q&A - David Millar

Perhaps it's not entirely correct to include David Millar in the Local Riders series, but he did once live in Chapel en le Frith which is good enough for me.

Ever since I started following cycling, Millar always seemed to be a guy who was just as stylish off the bike as he was on it, which always appealed to me. 

He has won four stages of the Tour de France, five of the Vuelta de Espana and one stage of the Giro d'Italia. Millar is the only British rider to have worn all four of the TdF jerseys and one of only five to have worn the yellow leaders jersey.

A big thanks to Tom Southam and Kristian House for making this happen and to Dave for taking the time to answer the questions.  

As a racing cyclist, which results are you most proud of and why?

All of them, simply still being a racing cyclist makes me proud.  

Which are your favourite stretches of road to ride on locally and what is it that you like about them?

The Esponella Loop.  I roll out my drive turn left and have an hour and half of beautiful twisty up and down roads. It's my lap.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

Too many to mention.

What is your most memorable moment on the bike or involved with cycling?

See above.

Has racing affected your relationship with the bike? If so, how?

I'm a racer, I only truly fully engage when I have a number on my back, I find it harder and harder to motivate myself any other time.  This is the reason I know it's time to stop.  I need to stop being a racer.

Do you agree with Mickey Goldmill's advice to Rocky that 'women weaken legs'?

So incredibly no.

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom in cycling in the UK atthe moment. Has it affected you? Do you have any thoughts about why it has happened and whether it will continue? Do you see any negatives to the increase in popularity?

I think all these questions have been answered.

All cyclists, whether they race or not, seem to obsess over the weight of their bikes. Why do you think this is?

It's a fun hobby.

Do you approach riding, or ride your bike, differently now to when you first got into cycling?

Very much so.

Who has been your favourite pro riders over the years and why?

Too many to mention, most were a bit mad.

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

I've liked mine for better or worse.

Do you think Bradley Wiggins looks cool despite his long socks or because of them?

He looks like a mod.

Mudguards, mudguards and mudflaps or racing bike with clip on guards through winter?

Any or.

Do you enjoy a cafe stop or do you prefer to ride straight round?

Cafe stop for sure.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Castelli, I'm a racer.

Do you prefer to get your head down on the main-roads, keep a good tempo going on the B roads or get onto the back wacks? What about the rough stuff on your road bike?

Everything.

What do you think about Strava?

Think it's a stroke of genius.  Needs to be used for the right reasons though.

What do you think about Sportive rides?

As long as they're fun for the participants then I think they're great.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

Bad form.

Cotton cap or helmet?

Helmet while riding, cap for cafés.

The benefits of spinning a low gear compared to mashing a high gear is often discussed. Putting aside the serious, physiological and mechanical aspects, what cadence you think looks right?

High cadence.

White, black or coloured socks?

Plainer the better with height that suits the wearer.

Frame pump or mini pump?

Either or.

What do you like to talk about when you are on a ride with friends/team/club mates? Do you prefer to keep the subjects lightweight or get your teeth into something contentious or controversial?

Depends who I'm riding with. I like to listen.

Who would be/is your perfect tandem partner? Would you ride captain or stoker?

Stuart O'Grady.  I think we'd take turns.