REBECCA Charlton is currently presenting the British Cycling Motorpoint Spring Cup and Grand Prix series on Eurosport.

The Northern Echo: Rebecca Charlton. Photo: Emma Tunbridge

Rebecca Charlton. Photo: Emma Tunbridge

Why do you cycle?

I began racing as an Under-10 when my parents introduced me to track cycling and cyclo-cross and I absolutely loved it. The speed, the people and the fun of it all had me hooked. Someone sent me an image of a school-games start list the other day to point out that Sir Bradley Wiggins was at the same National championships as I was – it’s safe to say he went on to be slightly more successful.

Now that I work as a presenter and journalist in cycling, I ride to stay fit, to socialise and to remember what it’s like out there for the riders I’m interviewing. Cycling’s always been a part of my life.

The Northern Echo: Rebecca Charlton. Photo: Emma Tunbridge

Rebecca Charlton. Photo: Emma Tunbridge

What do you ride?

I’m lucky enough to ride a range of bikes for review in my job, but I have to say I recently trained in Majorca on a Pinarello Dogma F8 Di2 and I really, really didn’t want to hand that one back. I think that’s definitely going on the wishlist. It’s light, fast, responsive and incredibly nice to look at. You can’t get much better than that.

Tell me about your favourite route?

Track racing has always suited me and my favourite place to ride is at Herne Hill Velodrome in South London, so my favourite route would be riding in circles I guess – not the most exciting Strava upload, I know. Although I love riding on the Olympic Velodrome at Lee Valley Velo Park, there’s something a bit different and special about riding on the outdoor track. I’ve been training there since I was about eight years old, rain or shine, so it’s got a special place in my heart … even though it can be absolutely freezing.

The Northern Echo: Rebecca Charlton. Credit: Rupert Fowler

Rebecca Charlton. Credit: Rupert Fowler

Tell me about your best cycling memory?

The day it was announced that the London 2012 Olympic bid was successful and that we would have our very own 250m indoor track, right on my doorstep. I had my own racing ambitions at that point, but going on to cover cycling as a journalist and witnessing the immense success on home soil was very special. That, and all the many happy childhood memories of riding with my family on weekends.

What do you consider your most important piece of cycling equipment?

Having your brakes and gears in good working order is always really important when it comes to equipment, but in recent months using a Wattbike and training with power has really transformed my riding. I’ve discovered that when I’m busy with work and can’t find the time to get the road miles in, or make it to the velodrome, I can hop on an indoor Wattbike. It’s incredible how motivating it is to focus on the data in front of you, and a one-hour session, done regularly with the right programme, can make much more of a difference to your fitness than you’d perhaps think. When I get back on the road or track it means I’m not on the back foot and I haven’t lost power.

If you could cycle anywhere where would that be?

Pollenca in Majorca. I head out there with my bike at least once a year for idyllic roads, beautiful switchback mountain climbs, smooth tarmac and of course, a much higher chance of sunshine than here in the UK. I think it’s a part of the world cyclists discover and just want to visit more and more, it’s perfectly set up for riding and it’s very bike-friendly.