What is your background into cycling?

Growing up, cycling was my mode of transport and how I spent most of my spare time. This involved riding to friends` houses, exploring new routes through forests and finding river fords to cross in the summer. With my brothers, we were always reading cycling magazines and checking out the latest bike tech and working out what our dream bike would be. Thirty plus years on and it seems little has changed for me!

What are your passions off the bike?

As an architect, design is a large part of my working life and a passion of mine. Whether it’s buildings, furniture or product design, my design ethos is for form to follow function in a beautiful yet considered way. Bike design fits right into this.

Where is your favourite place to ride?

Over several years we have switched between Mallorca and Girona for our summer holidays, often visiting both each year. This gives a clue to my favourite place to ride. Mallorca with its infamous climbs and amazing routes there are a few aspects that just make Girona that bit more special for me. The chilled out nature of the town, looking out for pro-cyclists and an incredible variety of routes, this place keeps me wanting to come back for more.

What was your toughest ride?

Having dabbled in a bit of racing, a road race is probably up there as one of my hardest rides. Riding on my limit to stick with the bunch and battling the inner demons of my mind makes them the hardest rides. I soon realised that I’m not overly competitive, yet they motivated me to push my training and become a better cyclist.

What sparked the idea for DMSTQ?

From racing I realised my enjoyment in riding comes more from assisting others and the camaraderie of riding in groups rather than in competing. With a career in a service industry my ethos is working to help others and in road cycling I would certainly equate my role to that of a Domestique.

I’m a big fan of professional bike races and along with watching the excitement of the racing unfold I’m fascinated to watch how the teams’ work. This includes how riders work as a team, the support from the team car in carrying kit and nutrition and how they are on hand for mechanicals etc. Could some of these be provided out with races to create a new cycling experience for the everyday rider?

What are the ambitions for the future?

Having guided a few corporate rides, the ambition in the short term is to continue to develop bespoke corporate events and grow the DMSTQ community with our Sunday Social rides. I am passionate about working with local companies and keen to develop partnerships and create events which showcase the best hospitality and cycling in the area.