SheCycles interviews XC racer Jenny Copnall

Nat Champ - Jenny Copnall (photo: www.joolzedymond.com)

Jenny Copnall has been racing mountain bikes for years, we catch up with her to see how she manages to stay focussed and motivated and still hitting the podium!

SC - What made you start riding mountain bikes?

Having been 100% commited to competing horses since the age of nine I had made the difficult decision to take a break from that in order to go to university. I had always been really sporty at school and was on the lookout for something to direct my energies into. I met my then boyfriend, who was a cyclist, went for a mountain bike ride and found that my (then) completely fearless nature suited mountain biking very well! I think I am drawn to any sport which involves getting muddy.

SC -How long have you been racing XC?

Since then, I did my first race, at London's Beastway series, the following week. I was 17, so that's.... err.... about 13 years!

SC - Who are your sponsors and how long have you been with them?

I am sponsored by Subaru-Gary Fisher mountain bike race team. This is my third season racing for the S-GF team and long may it last.

SC - What are your career highlights to date?

• Winning the British National Championship twice (2003 & 2005) and the British National Series three times (2003,2004,2005). Also, racing the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games and representing GB at Worlds / Euros etc is always memorable.

  SC - What are your aims this season?

  To mix it with better, faster riders in World Cups. To retain my National Champs & Series crowns. To convince British Cycling to allow me to race major championships again, such as the European and World Championships. To continue to enjoy my racing.

  SC - Who are your main competitors in UK and abroad?

  In the UK Sue Thomas has been my closest rival for many years. I have great respect for her as a very classy rider and person. In the UK we also have the duo of Kate Potter & Jenn O'Connor who, although not British, race most of our domestic events. They are both very capable riders and have a great outlook on the sport.

  Elite women's podium

  SC - Has it been going to plan this season?

  Thus far yes!

  SC - Have you any thoughts about the up coming Fort William race, do you like the terrain there and how do you find racing in front of a home crowd?

  I love the course at Fort William, although I'd like them to have retained the "original" roots on the first descent rather than smoothing it all out. I should be able to put a very good ride together on this course. Alas, thus far I have always had problems on this course, mostly with flats (punctures- Ed). I hardly ever flat but I seem always to on the Ft William course. Hopefully this year a combination of good fortune and good tyre choice will erradicate this problem.

  SC - What is a regular week like in terms of training?

  Jenny Copnall - In the off season it can be up to 25hrs of training per week. During a heavy race period, such as now, as little as 10-11hrs per week. My training includes many aspects. I train at the Olympic Medical Institute in Northwick Park once per week on an SRM power rig. This is invaluable in controlling and monitoring high intensity interval sessions. I run once per week. I get at least one long hilly ride in per week and I also train off road at Aston Hill once per week. During winter the emphasis shifts to greater volume & less intensity & vice versa.

  SC - Do you have a coach and how do you monitor your prerformance?

  I am my own coach and have been since 1997. I do work with a physiologist in the lab at Northwick Park. Other than that I am completely self directed! I plan pretty much every aspect of my training and racing and also, for the most part, set up and service my bike for races.

  SC - Any advice for riders starting out racing XC?

  Stay off your front brake.

  SC - Which rider do you most respect and why?

  Currently I have great respect for Oli Beckinsale. He proves what years of dedication can achieve and has remained a thoroughly nice guy throughout. I also have massive respect for Tracy Moseley and love riding on her wheel (for as long as possible) on our girly weekend in the winter. She is super smooth and efficient and that is a very useful skill to attempt to replicate in xc races.

  SC - What bike do you race on, do you get a choice of bikes?

  I have a choice of two. I have a hardtail Zigguarat and a full suspension RaceDay, both Gary Fisher of course. Both are kitted out identically with SRAM and Bontrager parts and Rockshox forks. We have the choice as to which bike we race on any given course. While it'd be great to race the full susser every time, until the courses become suitably technical, there will always be a place for hardtail race bikes. For general riding the Raceday wins hands down!

  SC - Do you have to work as well, to pay the rent etc?

  I still work a couple of days per week waiting tables for Pizza Express. I also have a, shall we say, "consultancy" role for a number decisions that are made. Having worked at the same restaurant for many years I am on very good terms with many customers, who are now very well informed on all things cycling!

  SC - Where is your favorite place to ride?

  Aston Hill is my favourite place to ride and train. I also love all the usual places - Afan, Glentress etc etc.

  SC -Do you want to say anything about the coaching you do at Aston Hill?

  I am a qualified BC Club Coach. I currently coach just one rider but this is an area that I may pursue further in the future. I am looking forward to being involved with the (SheCycles) women's session on Aston Hill!