Be Self-reliant
How I enjoyed this recent podcast with one Simon Clarke. Having just been named as part of EF Education First - Drapac p/b Cannondale's Le Tour de France lineup, Simon's is a name that is familiar with many a pro cycling fan, especially in Australian circles. A formidable competitor indeed, Simon is classified as an all-rounder, that special breed of rider that is capable of pulling great performances out of the bag no matter the terrain or conditions. Reliable, dependable and capable.
But that is only part of what makes up this tough and versatile Aussie. Fellow rider Mitch Docker does a great job in highlighting what makes professional cyclists tick and his conversation with Simon certainly does that. I guess the number one take home point is Simon's self-direction and self-reliance. He explains how he pretty much organised everything by himself right from his teenage years, from flights to race entries, and even driving to and from all his races with his Dad sleeping in the passenger seat (he had a learner's licence then). Sure, support is great and often a necessity in reaching the next level but I'm not sure it is mandatory. So I really like the fact that a rider of Simon's calibre is willing to share his not-so-secret formula to making it in professional cycling without any hint of a chip on his shoulder or superiority.
Which reminds me somewhat of another Simon, who left South Africa at the tender of age of eighteen to pursue a career as a professional triathlete in 1989. Simon Lessing was crowned World Champion just three years later but how he got there is more interesting and inspiring. Catching trains, living in youth hostels and camping in his bike bag before races in Europe are but a few examples of his road to success, chronicled in this excellent podcast from a few years back.
Listen and learn.
