Matthew Page Profile
Matthew Page
DOB:
02/08/1984
Location:
Llandovery, Wales.
About me:
I’ve always had a love of sport and in particular riding bikes, but although I always owned a bike I didn’t start cycling seriously until I bought my first proper Mountain Bike, aged 16. For several years it was just a hobby, entering the occasional MTB Marathon, where just completing the course was a challenge for me. It was in 2005 though that I started racing, back then I concentrated mainly on XC and the shorter endurance races, reaching Expert level in XC racing.
In March 2006 I had the opportunity to move from my hometown of Llandovery to Cardiff and began working as a cycle courier. It was a job I really loved and it changed my life completely; riding an average of 100 miles a day for four days a week does wonders for the endurance, and as a direct consequence I started doing well at the longer events. 2006 saw me entering my first 24 hour solo and I loved it; so much so that I entered another just two months later, and this saw me get to the podium! 2007 was a real breakthrough for me, winning ‘Dusk ’til Dawn’ which was no doubt unexpected as I beat some big names including a pro rider from the USA.
In April 2008, after 2 years working as a cycle courier I decided to finish and concentrate on my racing career. Although I loved the job, the lack of structure, inability to control intensity and lack of rest & recovery meant that I was unlikely to improve much further if I continued. The structured training program that I devised for myself was a real success, combined with the fantastic support I received from Wiggle resulted in 2008 being even more successful, as I won one of the biggest 24hr solo events and the two biggest 12hr solo events in the UK. We now live in Abergorlech, a small village on the edge of Brechfa Forest. The riding here is absolutely fantastic and I am very lucky to have such good trails quite literally on my doorstep.
Outside of cycling I have a love of most motor sport, especially F1. I live with my girlfriend Nia, who is also my pit support for my solo races and our two naughty cats, Sooty and Sweep. Although my events are classed as solo, in reality I have a team behind me. The support that I get from Nia and other people in my pit is extremely important and without them I would not have the results that I have today. I firmly believe they are the best pit crew for any solo racer, anywhere in the world.
Favourite race:
Dusk ’til Dawn holds some very special memories for me. It was the highlight of my 2007 and 2008 seasons. There is something special about the event which few other events seem to have. A great atmosphere, good vibe amongst riders and a terrific course, but one that is certainly more fun in the dry!
Favourite training session:
I am very lucky to have some fantastic road and off-road routes around me, so choosing a favourite is really tough, but I’d say my favourite road session would include some roads around Llyn Brianne and over towards the Elan Valley. I have a 100 mile loop with a massive amount of climbing which is great fun to ride.
Off-road I love riding in Brechfa forest, which has some great man-made trails. I really does have everything needed to improve fitness and skills. I like to mix the red, blue and black routes together to make a 35km loop, which I will usually do 2 laps of.
Sporting heroes:
Nick Craig and Tinker Juarez. Both are legends within Mountain Biking and both have evolved with the sport over the years whilst staying at the very top level.
2006 results:
2nd – Dusk till Dawn, 12hr Mixed team
5th – Sleepless in the Saddle, solo 24hr
20th – Mountain Mayhem, 24hr solo
2007 results:
1st – Dusk till Dawn, 12hr solo
1st – Xterra Afan, 100k
2nd – Marin Rough Ride, 60k
2nd – Forest of Dean Enduro, 60k
3rd – Dyfi Enduro, 60k
3rd – UK Single speed champs
7th – Mountain Mayhem, 24hr Elite mens team
9th – Single Speed World Championships
2008 results:
1st – Sleepless in the Saddle, 24hr solo
1st – Dusk till Dawn, 12hr solo
1st – TwentyFour12, 12hr solo
3rd – G2 Revolver, 8 hour solo
5th Elite Men – Enduro 6, 6hr solo
5th – Dyfi Enduro, 60k Enduro
5th – Brecon Beast – 100km Enduro
16th – Mountain Mayhem, 24hr solo
‘Gold’ medal time and 2nd fastest finisher – TransCambrian Sportive
2009 Major Races & Results:
4th – British Mountain Bike Series (Sport Category)
4th – Wiggle Enduro 6
4th – Dyfi Enduro
1st – Bikeradar LIVE, 4hr solo
2nd – Singlespeed UK Championships
17th– Kona Mash-up (Technical category)
1st – Mountain Mayhem, 24hr solo
‘Gold’ – Devil Ride sportive
24th – TwentyFour12, 24hr solo 25-26th July
27th September – MAXX Exposure night event
3/4th October – Dusk ’til Dawn, 12hr solo
Matt is sponsored by Focus for all his bike needs and is currently riding:
Race Bike: Focus First Expert
Shoes:
In the shoe department Madision have sponsored Matt with:
Shimano M310 MTB Shoes.
Pedals:
In the Pedal department 2pure.co.uk have sponsored Matt with:
Crank Brothers Egg Beater SL’s
And Crank Brothers Short Spindle Upgrade
Tyres:
In the tyre department fisheroutdoor.co.uk have sponsored Matt with:
Schwalbe Nobby Nics
Schwalbe Racing Ralph
Lighting:
For the 12/24hr endurance races www.zyro.co.uk have sponsored Matt with:
Lupine Betty 7
Nutrition:
To Keep Matt Fueled Up Harris-Active.co.uk have sponsored Matt with:
High5 Protein Recovery
Also Keeping Matt Fueled Up 2Pure.co.uk have sponsored Matt with:
Clif Bars
And Clif Shot Bloks
Lambda Sports have Kindly assistied Matt with the following:ZYM Catapult Electrolyte Drink
Clothing & Other Equipment:
For training and racing Matt is also using:
2XU Compression Clothing Triathlonconsultants.com have sponsored Matt with:
2XU Compression Tights
Cleaning duties are looked after by muc-off.com They have sponsored Matt with:
Mobi Portable Pressure Washer
Matthew will also be using the following:
Helmet:
In the Helmet department Chicken Cycle-kit have sponsored Matt Page With: Las Victory Helmets
dhb Finchdean Long Sleeve Jersey
dhb Amberley Waterproof Gloves
Photos:
