Q&A with CALVIN WATSON

Recently turning 21 Calvin Watson steps-up with his first race with his new team Trek Factory Racing. 

Read about his hilarious exploits at the team camp from Cal himself and cyclingtips  here

Racing his second Tour Down Under with Jens Voigt and Frank Schleck 


Congratulations on your contract  with Trek Factory Racing! Wow you must be floating on the world racing with the likes of Fabian Cancellara, Andy Schleck and Jens Voigt?

Thanks. Honestly I have to pinch myself at times, to be on the same team as guys I've looked up to and admired for many years it's quiet curial. But it's an amazing opportunity I've been given and I can't wait to take it all on. 

Your outnumbered with Kiwi’s.. surely this is not usual for Aussie Pro-riders?

Yeah there's obviously two Kiwi's on the team, Jesse and Hayden. They are both great guys and real characters. Being around them is similar to being around two Aussies, we can relate to each other so it doesn't really feel any different. 

What are your thoughts of racing your Home UCI World Tour?

It's defiantly special to be here in Adelaide preparing for the Tour Down Under. It's a fantastic race, and after riding it last year I would of be been a little disappointed missing out this year, it's our home race so it's always nice to be apart of. 

Could I ask some questions to help get your fans know you more?

Nickname? 

Cal
                        
Home club?

Caulfield Carnegie Cycling Club 

Favourite local rides? 

Glenvale and Sandown criteriums

Inspirations or role model? 

Simon Gerrans 

What type of rider would you describe your self as?

Maybe a rouler, I like climbing and time trialling also. I think I am yet to find where my real strengths lie. 

How are you progressing after you tumble on the road last week?

I am fine after my incident with the car while training, I am very lucky the injuries were not much worse so for that I am happy. It would of been a disaster to have missed out of riding TDU if the situation was worse. 

How did your contract with Trek Factory Racing come about?

Trek have recruited quiet a few young guys, so that played into my hands. Also after winning the Herald Sun tour that began to spark some interest. With the help of my manager Alex Carrera I was lucky enough to sign with Trek.  

Its your 2nd TDU, what are your expectation for 2014?

This will be my second time racing TDU so I kind of have an idea of how the race goes. We are here with a top quality line up and we are quiet ambitious. I think I will play a team roll throughout the week, whether that's helping keep Frank out of trouble or helping the Van Poppel brothers in the finishes. We will see! 

You were DNF for the Road Nats which was the hardest Championships ever are we to take any meaning from this?

The nationals was a tough race that's for sure, being the first race of the year it's always hard to be in top condition. I was quiet happy with how my legs felt, but I was obviously unable to go with the attacks in the final laps. It was my first year racing the Elites so it was certainly a big step up from the U23 race. But we saw in the end that Simon was a level above and the three strongest riders were on the podium. 

I know its early but what possible races would you be racing this year?

 After TDU, I will return to Europe, and begin with Tour of Catalunya, some one day races in France and then go onto Tour of Romandi, Tour of California and Criterium Dauphine. It's a great program. 

We would all like to wish you success in the exciting year

You have raced with AIS development teams. How important is government and private sponsorship at the juniors levels for Australia’s continued development as a cycling powerhouse?

This is where the talent comes from, it's the grass routes. So the funding and the sponsors are what make the opportunities possible. We are very lucky to have such great sponsors on board the Australian system. 

Thanks for your time and good luck for 2014. Are their any people you would like to thank for helping you get to where you are now?

There's obviously many people who I could name, and have been very influential in my development. The big one of Dave Sanders, he was my first coach at the VIS and has always stuck by me, so I thank him for that! 

Cheers Cal

I am sure Dave will be happy to see you ride well.