Enter Your Questions to Nicole Cooke below in the Comments Section.

The best questions will be picked and proposed to Nicole Cooke while at the Wiggle Stand (E22b) on Saturday 10th Oct at 11am.

Here are Nicole Cooke’s replies to your questions.

Cycle 09: Questions with Nicole Cooke

1. ‘harriet’ says
Q. Why haven’t you been successful in 2009 like you have been in 2008? I did see you at the British Champs and there is seemed to me, you would be able to defend your title in Mendrisio.

A. From outside, 2009 looks a little bit poor, but in fact I won 5 races in including the British Champs and it was not so bad… 2008 was an extraordinary year and at the end of the season I realised I had won everything there was to win in my sport and it looked like the challenge would be to repeat it. But I felt like I wanted something new, not just a repeat, and I had the idea it would be a good thing to have a professional team in Great Britain to help all the young girls come through and follow their dreams in road racing without the difficulties I had at the beginning of my professional career as the lone British rider in Europe.

Once again, I have had to sign a contract in a professional team again for next year but still to today I think it was worth it to try and go a new way, when you see the result of the world champs this year you realise that this idea was not wrong. We need a better system for road racing in Great Britain that helps the young girls. Only the ones who try things can fail, the ones who only sit at home and complain can’t make many mistakes!

2. ‘Dubber’ says
Q. What’s on your ipod Nicole?

A. Mainly when I’m by a computer I’ll listen to Red Dragon FM over the Internet to keep up to date with new music, but right now there’s quite an upbeat mixture I’m listening to: Tinchy Stryder, Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, Agnes, Flo rider…

3. ‘Blender’ says
Q. Nicole, what are your plans for 2010 & what motivates you?

A. I will be meeting with my team for 2010 this coming week and then I will know how my racing programme will shape up. My target will be to go for the World Champs and try to get that rainbow jersey back! I’m motivated to try and get the best from myself but underlying this is a great love for cycling, just being out riding and enjoying the feeling of cycling under my own power is great!

4. ‘Nicola’ says
Q. I love cycling, what advice would you give to us girls who are keen to about getting involved in racing?

A. If possible you should try and get a group of girls together of a similar ability so that as you all develop your camaraderie will help you get through those difficult moments and you can also share in your successes together. Try to join a club that caters for girls/ladies and also speak to those with more experience to try and learn as much as possible. The best thing to do is not be afraid of trying new things and pushing the limits from time to time!

5. ‘Tristain’ says
Q. What was your most memorable experience this year?

A. The British Champs was a fantastic experience when I remember the atmosphere, the build up in the days before the event especially because it was close to ‘home’ in Abergavenny, all my family and friends who were there and then the actual race itself and the winning feeling having dealt with the climbing and all round strength of Emma Pooley and the sprinting power of Lizzie Armitstead. The crowd really got involved and it was a wonderful day all round.

6. ‘Simsy’ says Via Facebook
Q. Ask Nicole & the ladies how they deal with knee pain?

A. You should try and see a good doctor with sports experience first to get a full analysis of what could be causing the problem. Then, when you know how to treat it, try to do your best to take care with other things you can do yourself like stretching, a short warm up and cool down as you begin rides and keeping your knees warm. Also make sure that your shoes and pedal set up gives your feet a position as close to your natural ‘standing’ position as possible so that stresses around the knee are reduced as much as possible.

Getting excited? We are!!

On Saturday 10th October at 11am to 11:30 we will have Nicole Cooke & Andy Walser visiting the Wiggle Stand (E22b) and answering some questions that you have the opportunity to ask.

All you need to do is post your questions in the Comments Section in the previous posts on Nicole Cooke & Andy Walser. We will then select the best five questions to ask both Nicole and Andy on the day.

We will then post up their answers to your questions via their blog posts shortly after their visit.

Nicole Cooke
Nicole Cooke, MBE (born 13 April 1983) is a Welsh professional road bicycle racer for the Vision1 Racing team, and is the current Olympic road race champion.

Andy Walser
Andy Walser’s designer of Nicole Cooke’s TT Frame, Andy’s trial frames have been long considered some of the best of the breed.

This is a great chance to ask that question you’ve been pondering over for some time.

Click here to propose your question to Nicole Cooke

Click here to propose your question to Andy Walser.

Verenti bikes in conjunction with Dragon Ride Wales.

Britain’s most popular sportive will get an all new look and an all new name from 2010 as bicycle manufacturer Verenti is to enter into a 3 year partnership with the newly christened Verenti Dragon Ride.

The event, which held its 6th edition in 2009, has long been one of the most beautiful and most rewarding of UK rides, so much so that when the designers at Kiron begun work on a specific sportive range of cycles , their thoughts turned the ride for inspiration:

“We decided to approach the Dragon Ride because we have all ridden and loved the event itself over the past few years, its great organisation and the scenery,” says Paul Bolwell of Verenti Bikes, “ The route takes in some truly beautiful countryside and offers two very challenging routes, so much so that we’ve names a bike after one of the mountain routes; the Verenti Rhigos!”

The Verenti Dragon Ride 2010 will once again challenge over 3000 riders with the wild grandeur of the Brecon Beacons, the fearsome climb of the Bwlch and of course the Rhigos pass whilst expanding the village and the start/ finish area and adding in a few new and exciting twists and turns to its much loved route.

“I’m delighted to be associated with such a dynamic brand as Verenti”

added Verenti Dragon Ride organiser Lou Lusardi,

“It’s fantastic that Verenti have chosen to name their top of the range carbon sportive bike after the signature Dragon Ride climb; the Rhigos, it’s immensely flattering and I can’t wait to see the bikes.”

2009 saw the most successful edition of the event to date with superstar Cervelo Test Team professional Daniel Lloyd setting the fastest time of the day and paralympic and World Champions Darren Kenny and Simon Richardson also mingling with the riders on the course.

“We feel it’s the perfect showcase for Verenti bikes,” adds Paul Bolwell, “so we will give riders the chance to view the bikes at the event. Kiron owners will also have exclusive access to the tented Verenti area, refreshment, support ad masseurs at the ride itself. Verenti bikes are the only brand aimed specifically at the sportive rider so we are very excited”

You can find out more about the 2010 Verenti Dragon Ride at booth the Wiggle and Verenti Dragon Ride stands at the Cycle Show, 8th-11th October at London’s Earls Court or on the web: www.verentidragonride.com

*UPDATE*

If you do not have your ticket yet we have some good news – Wiggle have teamed up with the Cycle Show to offer you a ticket for £10! Simply enter the code ‘WIG’ when you buy your ticket online

Click here to purchase your ticket

See you there!

Well, Cycle 09 is less than a week away! It’s the UK’s biggest and most prestigious Cycle Show and boy it’s going to be a great weekend!

If you’ve not been before make sure you go, whether you’re a commuter, mountain biker, road cyclist, or you just simply enjoy a bike ride at the weekend with your family and friends, the Cycle Show is not to be missed.

This year the Wiggle stand will be bigger and better in every way so don’t forget to pop along to check out the latest 2010 Focus bike range, clothing from award winning manufacturer dhb, Lightweight Wheels and more great kit. Seriously the 2010 bike range is looking amazing!

Here’s just a small list of bikes that will be on show.

Focus MTB’s
First Extreme
Thunder
Black Forest
Raven
Northern Lite

Focus Road Bikes
Izalco
Izalco Team Replica
Izalco Team Milram
Izalco Pro
Izalco Extreme
Culebro
Cayo
Shimano di2 Focus Izalco

Members of Team Wiggle will be on hand to answer questions, Nicole Cooke should be stopping by the stand and we are hoping to have Matt Pages Mountain Mayhem winning bike and a genuine Team Milram Izlaco on display!

So pop along to stand E22b and say hello!

The Cycle Show is open from 8 – 11 October 2009

Thursday 8th October
10:00am – 7:00pm
Trade and Press only

Friday 9th October
10:00am – 6:00pm
Open to the Public

Saturday 10th October
10:00am – 6:00pm
Open to the Public

Sunday 11th October
10:00am – 5:00pm
Open to the Public

The Cycle Show 2009 is being held at
Earls Court Exhibition Centre
Warwick Road
London
SW5 9TA

Here’s a snippet of the shows highlights over the weekend.

Tirol MTB Experience- This area is specially built using north shore structures and gives you the chance to experience the latest mountain bike brands before they hit the high street.

Live BMX Displays- For all you BMX riders out there this will be right up your street! Watch some of the world’s top BMX riders perform amazing aerial tricks. There will be spectacular displays taking place throughout the show.

Cycling Celebrities- During the course of the weekend some of your favorite cycling celebs will be on stage to chat and answer any of your questions.

Click here for more information and ticket booking.

There is still time to join in the action at the the maddest, muddiest run challenges of the Saab Salomon Trail Running Series.

The Turbo X Pure Filth event at Wharncliffe Woods, Sheffield starts on the 26nd Sept and are still accepting places. So don your Salomons and step up to the challenge!

Click here to enter

Here is some great footage of the Borden Turbo X courtesy of Saab Salomon to get you in the mood, enjoy!

You don’t have to be a mountain biker to appreciate that Mountain Mayhem is something special. Up until now though you did have to be one if you wanted to enjoy its unique festival atmosphere: not next year though, because the organisers are adding a new 100Km sportive in to the mix.

The Kiron 100Km Sportive will be sponsored by new sportive bike brand, Kiron and it’s a sportive with a difference – for Britain anyway. While it will be a challenge the aim is more to give everyone taking part a good day out on their bike more in the manner of continental sportives and randonees which are about enjoyment rather than trying to break you.

There are no details on the route yet but the location in the Malvern hills is superb and event organiser Pat Adams promises that everybody taking part will get to experience the beautiful countryside in and around the Malvern hills.

Entry to the Kiron Sportive is £22 and online entry opens on the 31st of October. Each competitor gets a goody back, which Pat reckons will have around £21 worth of goodies in it including a top quality t-shirt and refreshments. Pat and his team are providing a special campsite for everybody taking part in the sportive, so you get the best of both worlds: all the facilities that go with a non-stop cycling festival without being kept awake by a 24 hour mountain bike race.

Mountain Mayhem itself is a massive affair attracting thousands of mountain bikers every year, road riders doing the sportive will be able to sample off of the festival’s attractions and atmosphere in the main arena where manufacturers display there latest bikes and there are numerous food and refreshment stalls plus opportunities for a quick massage or to buy yourself some bike bits or enjoy the entertainment on offer on the main stage… you could make a weekend of it without even riding your bike. Bring the family too – that’s what many mountain bikers do – it’s a great opportunity for a weekend away in a great location with excellent camping facilities there’s plenty to do for everyone and all the activities are free too.

So if you’ve always fancied the fun of Mayhem but you don’t want to ride off road, now’s your chance. The KIRON 100 KM Sportive takes place on Sunday 20TH June at 8AM, Mountain Mayhem itself runs from the 19th to the 20th. See you there!

The 2009 Saab Salomon Trail Running Series brings the best of natural terrain to challenge you no matter your level or ability. Whether it’s stunning forest tracks, gnarly muddy madness or exclusive foreign trails you’re after – you can be sure that Saab, Salomon, 209 Events will have it covered!

Saab Salomon have scouted out some sweet trail running locations for you to choose from which cover the length of the country. There’s definitely be a trail you’ll want to try: be it a mid week run in a beautiful forest location, an international trip to far reaching foreign tracks or mud fuelled mixed terrain of the gnarliest proportions – it’s all there!

To start things off for September 2009 we have the Turbo X Pure Filth events!

The maddest, muddiest run of the Saab Salomon Trail Running Series and will not disappoint with 10 miles of the gnarliest mix of mud, sweat and trail! Hidden within a natural assault course of water, sand, marsh and muck lurks the SAAB X ZONE…. A 1- 2 mile section of the craziest trail terrain to push your stamina, agility and perseverance to the limit! You’ll wade through watery wildness, clamber through mud, sand and bog, charging your way through the roughest off road track you can imagine!

For more information on the events Click Here!

Two dates in September are still available to enter if you fancy a challenge!

12th Sept, Mugdock, Glasglow. CLICK HERE TO ENTER

26nd Sept, Wharncliffe Woods, Sheffield. CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Wiggle have recently supported Hampshire County Council with a few prizes for competitions. We’ve just been informed that there is a great local event to support young people in Hampshire via the Prince’s Trust and we felt it would be great to spread the word.

On Sunday 16th August 2009 at the beautiful Royal Victoria Country Park, near Southampton a 10k (6.2mile) walk will be held. This is a great opportunity to take part in the walk either individually or as part of a team and get out in the fresh air and enjoy some beautiful scenery and help raise some money for Charity.

Last year The Prince’s Trust helped more than 40,000 young people. By fundraising through events like Walk for The Trust, you can enable them to help even more young people in 2009 and beyond.

Why Walk for The Trust?
Walk for The Trust is a chance to have a fun day out with friends and family, and through your sponsorship you’ll be helping The Prince’s Trust support disadvantaged young people in the UK.

Signing up
It couldn’t be easier. Participants can register online and start fundraising immediately. There’s no registration fee but we ask all participants to raise at least £10 in sponsorship money.

On the day
Walkers must raise a minimum of £10 sponsorship in advance to take part in the event. On the day, go to the cricket pavilion and show a walk official a printout of your sponsorship form before commencing the walk.

Location: Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, Southampton SO31 5GA
Date: 16 August 2009
Registration from: 11am
Distance: 10km
Minimum sponsorship: £10

Click here for more information and sponsorship forms.

On 1st August 2009 hundreds of ardent runners will line up at Catton Park, near Tamworth for the race of their lives. Thunder Run 24hr, in association with Runner’s World, is a brand new and unique challenge, the UK’s first 24 hour long team off-road running race!

We have just been handed a few sets of entry tickets to give away and first up is free entry for one pair! It’s time to find a true friend that that will match you for the challenge of the 24 hour race and email why you want to enter to marketing@wiggle.co.uk. We will select the most worthy winner (in our opinion!) at the end of the week. All we ask in return is that the lucky winners share their experiences with us back here on the Bloggle after the event. We will be giving away more race entries shortly for the Team of 5, Team of 8 and Soloist. Keep checking back on the Bloggle!!

Terms & Conditions

One entry per team
Competition closes 31st July 2009.
Winners will be published on www.wiggleblog.com and will be required to right a report of their race. The more photos the better!
General Wiggle competition T&C’s apply.