STOCKTON cyclist Scott Auld is riding on the continent. I spoke to him about his recent achievements and what life is like on the road

Since the last time we spoke, what has changed for you?

I've had a small change in the sense of signing for a new team which in turn has had quite a big change on my living situation. I've relocated to France, Toucy to be exact, a small village around 100 to 150km south of Paris, signing for National Division 2 team VC Toucy.

You’ve just had your first proper race of the 2018 season at Paris-Troyes. How did it go and what did you learn about your capabilities for now and in the future?

Yes, Paris-Troyes was probably the highest standard of race I've competed in so far - excluding national championships. There were four Pro Continental teams present, two of which make a regular appearance in the Tour de France. I had an illness the week before which forced me to take three days off the bike and this was going to be my first proper race of the year so I was a little apprehensive about how the legs would be. However this wasn't an issue because all things considered, I felt rather strong. My main job of the day was to help our team's sprinter as, realistically, he was the only one capable of winning the race. I helped him as much as I could and he managed to come away with eighth which was fantastic for us as one of the smallest teams present. I rolled in with the bunch in 23rd which is a result I cant be disappointed in with everything in mind. I feel much stronger again this year after a really solid winter's training so I'm looking for a solid year of results and wins. I'm confident I can deliver on this.

You headed to Martinique after that race, it’s a nice life being a cyclist isn’t it or is it all planes, hotels, racing repeat?

Ha,ha. Yes, we tend to just exist in the days between racing waiting for the next one to come along. A lot of travel and a lot of hotels, but who doesn't love life on the road, right? Yes, I'm in Martinique at the moment for a four-day, five stage race which is classed as a French Elite National.

What is the make up of your Velo Club de Toucy team and what role do you fulfil in it?

It's an amateur DN2 team made up of 17 riders, an A team of 12 riders and the rest are reserves primarily. We compete in elite nationals, French cup races and several UCI races throughout the year. When it comes to roles it isn't really set in stone unless a particular race is suited to one rider who might be going well at the time. It's better this way as we are a diverse group and take the pressure off each other. I know if I attack and get brought back there are several other strong riders who can go over the top and counter-attack. Also, if it doesn't work we have a couple of guys who are very strong in the sprint who are more than capable of winning if all else fails.

In terms of the current pro peloton, who would you liken yourself to most?

I would like to say that I am a Michal Kwiatkowski or Julian Alaphilippe kind of rider, but in all honesty I'm not really sure what kind of rider I am. I can climb well if I'm going well, like I showed in the final stage of Ronde l'sard - one of the top U23 stage races in Europe - where I finished just off the front group. That front group contained riders who are all now in the World Tour can I add. But I can also mix it up in a rolling sprinters day, like the final stage of the Oberoster-reichrundfahrt in Austria last year where I finished fourth not to far behind August Jenson who not long ago finished Tirreno-Adriactico. It'll take time to truly see what I am strongest at but I reckon probably stage racing.

Stage races are about team work, but how easy is it to maintain the discipline to ride for the betterment of someone else when that might be disadvantageous to your own result?

At the end of the day trust is vital to a team who will give everything for one another. If you feel a finish is good for you and you feel like you have the legs you have to speak up. Also vice-versa if you're having a bad day it makes sense for you to sacrifice for someone who is on a good day and then hopefully when the day comes back around they will do the same for you. The money gets split at the end so there's an incentive, when you're racing a UCI with £2,600 for the winner, to give everything for the strongest rider.

What are you currently riding and explain a bit about the components and how you have it set up?

The Northern Echo:

I'm riding a French brand bike called Girs. A lot of good teams use them and they are a good-looking bike. It's equipped with Ultegra Di2 and Zipp components. I ride in a slammed position with no spacers with the saddle tilted slightly down one or two degrees as well as the bars at the same angle. I use 38mm bars as it makes it easier to move through tight spaces in the peloton. It also has an 11-28 cassette and 53/39 on the front chainrings and 170mm cranks as it's what I've always used.

How do you cope with being away from home and loved ones for extended periods of time?

Yeah, it's difficult, but we all have to make sacrifices to achieve our goals. I try to stay in touch and call them regularly. They are great if I'm honest, they understand what im trying to achieve and sympathise with the situation.

When you get time off the bike, how do you wind down? Is it easy to switch off?

I do the same as most people my age do in their spare time and binge out on Netflix series. It's a pretty good life as when I'm not training all I do is relax which is very important but kind of an added bonus. You can be lazy without the stigma of it. I mainly watch Netflix and films, I also like to do a fair bit of reading along with endless scrolling of social media.

What is the aim for you and the team for the rest of the season and which events are you looking forward to?

For me, the aim is to win as many races as possible, same as every year really. But for me it's just about getting better each year. I think when you hit a plateau it's time to have a think. I'll probably be targetting the stage races for results but I must admit I'm especially looking forward to coming home for the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic late April as it's a race I think I could do well in.