Generally speaking, professional cyclists tend to be narrowly focussed when it comes to fitness. And they have to be. After all, pedalling a bicycle is what puts food on the table so it is imperative that their attention be directed solely to that activity. But this is mindset changing amongst a growing number of professional riders, and Mitch Docker concurs with this broader approach to both fitness and health.
'I started running a few years ago,' says Mitch of his favourite cross-training activity. 'I was starting to understand that as a cyclist, I was becoming one dimensional. That and the realisation that as I got older, I was starting to look and feel slightly crippled. So I started running and some ball sports during the off season to get my body going again and build up my bone density, as well as to just do something other than riding my bike all day. Then as I found myself enjoying it more, I started to work towards achieving some milestones like running a sub-90min half-marathon. I guess I got hooked and still run to this very day.'
Interestingly, as Mitch points out, there is a bit of running culture emerging withing pro cycling circles. And with a few of his cycling colleagues having been top-class runners prior to becoming cyclist, Mitch is quick to acknowledge that he has some role models in that area.
'Mike Woods and Jimmy Whelan were elite-level distance runners before they were cyclists,' he says. 'They're like gazelles. So when I go running with them I feel like a gimp in comparison! But we like to get together for the odd run during the cycling season too. Michael Hepburn and Luke Durbridge are also good runners, so it's nice little group. I also started doing some Park Runs during the off-season in Australia and just loved it. So it would be good to get a Park Run started in Girona.'
Speaking of the off-season, Mitch travels back to his homeland of Australia on an annual basis. As mentioned elsewhere, staying mentally fresh is an important component of Mitch's arsenal as a professional rider. But with his racing program being decidedly Northern Hemisphere in composition, has he ever considered some downtime in a shorter light cycle?
'I do crave that autumn feeling,' he admits. 'And this is something I've chatted with Svein (Tuft - former Canadian pro cyclist) about quite a bit over the years. By the time September and October come around each season, we do experience a bit of that natural winding down if you like. But it's not for long as me and my family head back Down Under for a few months. Spending a winter over here in Europe does intrigue me, though. Some Aussies like Jack Haig have done that for years, but I guess it's an individual thing. But I must admit that the time I spend with the family back in Australia does recharge me. Fortunately I have a coach that understands that.'
It was an career-threatening accident that brought Mitch and coach Kevin Poulton together. Mitch's terrible crash at the 2016 Paris-Roubaix ironically coincided with victory for teammate Matthew Hayman, himself coached by Poulton at the time.
'The timing was perfect,' recalls Mitch. 'I had seen Kevin before the start and he checked in to see how I was doing while I was recovering in hospital. Fast forward a little bit and I wasn't sure if I actually wanted to race again. Kevin and I had stayed in touch, though, and once I decided that I did want to come back to the sport, we started working working together.'
Despite his relaxed and engaging demeanour, Mitch is quick to point out that he does actually thrive on structure. And now into his fourth year working with Kevin, he believes he has established an ideal rider-coach rapport.
'I came to the realisation that I needed to take responsibility and employ my own coach ,' he explains. 'Somebody who would understand what I need. For example, I'll ride around the block a few times to make sure I get six hours on the bike, but also need time to recharge. You've got to find the right coach those knows what you need, when to push you and when to back off. And with Kevin, I feel I have that.'
Photo credit: Mitch Docker @mitchbowen
