Meet the latest member of the team - ex criterium champion, Joey Walker.
The latest addition to our coaching group is none other than
former national criterium champ & all-round talent – Joey Walker.
We’re unbelievably excited to have Joey onboard & we can’t
wait to see what his knowledge and enthusiasm brings to our sessions. We caught
up with Joey to find out a bit more about him & his journey so far in
cycling…
Where/how did you get started in cycling?
It was through my Dad, I grew up watching him as a professional rider. I used to go mountain biking at the weekend with my family, when I was a kid. When I got a bit older and more experienced, I started to race in the U12 category. This was at my local Wombwell circuit, which was a go-kart track. I started there and progressed through the ranks.
How did you first meet Graham & Ed Clancy?
I live in Worksop which isn't far from Doncaster so growing up I occasionally rode with Graham on the Donny Chain Gang. I’ve known Graham since and have picked up a few training tips from him over the years. When I was on the U23 academy, I bumped into Ed quite a bit and I’ve done a few track sessions with him.
Tell us more about your cycling career?
After having some successful junior years, I managed to secure a place on the U23 GB academy. A group of us moved from the UK for a year and lived in Italy to learn our trade. It's fair to say this was probably the hardest year I had in my cycling career as we were dropped in most races. However, it was a year where I was constantly learning. I then went onto leave GB and join Team Wiggins for 2 years, this was a brilliant team and had great fun getting small results along the way. After that I signed up with Madison Genesis where I ended up winning the National Elite crit champs which was definitely my career highlight. Since then I have ridden for Vitus Pro Cycling and Team Crimson in which both years were unfortunately affected by COVID.
Now you’ve retired from racing, do you still ride your bike much?
I retired from racing at the end of last year for various reasons. However, I still ride both my MTB/CX and road bike for pleasure. Mainly to meet friends for a cafe stop.
How did you get involved with Clancy Briggs?
Last year I guested on a race masterclass for Clancy Briggs and really enjoyed it. So, when Graham asked if I was keen to do more and join the Clancy Briggs coaching team I couldn't resist.
Have you been involved with much coaching previously?
I haven't coached much in the past but done small sessions like previously mentioned. However, I have had many coaches over the years on past teams so I have lots of experience to pass onto the youngsters.
What are you most looking forward to about when it comes to coaching with Clancy Briggs?
It's definitely got to be passing on as much knowledge I have onto the kids who attend the sessions. Also helping the really young kids to be able to ride for the very first time too.
If you could give us one piece of advice for young racers, what would it be?
Keep enjoying it while you are still young and don't focus too much on results. Have fun, make mistakes as the more serious races will come when you are much older.
What next?
Joey will be coaching across our sessions in the coming weeks but if you can't wait then you'll definitely be able to find him on our weekly YJDP sessions or at our TDC sessions.