The Running Man - Tom Naylor — Velo Club Traverse

This section is where I will try and keep you entertained with some light-hearted interviews with some members, maybe some articles and stories about cycling and hopefully some contributions from some of you.

First up is a chat that I had with Tom Naylor. He is the MD of the Brighton Marathon and is the ring leader of our Brighton Crew. He is always up for a challenge and loves to tell stories so I though that he would be a good bet to interview first.

IPA, Lager or Guinness?

All three! Well, that really depends on the situation and time of day. For me, I do love a lager, it can be drank at anytime of the day and is my staple, a bit like squash, but it can be a bit boring. I do not drink Guinness regularly but if I do, it would be on a Sunday after a big night to nurse my hangover. IPA tastes great and I would have one or two at the pub but no more, it is too intense.

Where is your most memorable bike ride?

I will never forget our double Stelvio ride. Up from Bormio, down into the German speaking part of Italy and then back up again. And typical you Michael, we did it all before lunch. I was starving!

But I remember that we all stopped and had food and drinks at the first summit…

Yes you all did, but I had a problem with a skewer so was up late. I managed to have a banana and a drink and then we shot off. All good though!

Have you always ridden bikes? What was your first sport?

I used to run - boring answer, you know that.

Were you any good?

I was ok, not the best. I had a 10 mile limit in races, marathons are not for me. Too much impact on my legs. My distance was 5Kon the track, my PB was 14mins38.

That’s not bad at all mate! Did it help with cycling?

Well there was a long time between me running seriously and cycling but yes. Running helps cycling but cycling does not help running!

How many items of Rapha Kit do you have?

4000… so total wanker.

Tom with his crew at the top of the Stelvio - looks pretty happy to me!

You said it, not me

I actually only own Rapha kit, it is blah, blah, blah*

* Sorry I dosed off. What do you do for money?

I organise events. I co-founded Brighton Marathon. And we do some work with fellow club mate Tanner Bell, and organise the UK Ragnar Relays

Have you been doing it for a while?

11 years. I used to manage a running shop and set the Marathon up with a friend, we were sure that the town was crying out for such an event.

Alaphillipe or Thomas?

Geraint Thomas – he is not my hero. Seems like such a good bloke though. I like Alaphillipe but I am just not sure whether it is legit!

I know what you mean, interestingly Bardet is one of the main guys who keeps having bad days, that suggests to me that he could well be clean…

Yes, definitely. The other problem with Bardet and Pinot is that they love the Tour too much so sometimes buckle under the pressure. Alaphillipe doesn’t seem to give a shit (in a good way). I have read a couple of articles by Bardet in Rouleur magazine; seems like a really cool guy.

What is the hardest thing about organising the Brighton Marathon?

It is getting the 2500 people working on the event - event staff, sub-contractors, volunteers, medics working from the same page and at the right time. It is a real challenge.

Have you got better at it?

Yes of course

How have you done this?

By getting people on board to do it, who are better than me at organising things!!!

How often do you cycle your bike?

During lockdown, I am managing to get out everyday, which is nice. But normally 2 or 3 times a week. I try and get a big ride in at the weekend.

What is your favourite local route?

Anywhere that involves Stan’s Cafe which is in Partridge Green near Horsham. It is really difficult going without a regular visit with Dermot in these difficult times.

Is it some hipster cafe?

Hell no!

When you get off your bike what is the first thing that you do?

Have a shower

Really, I remember that you had a beer in your hand before you even get your leg over?

Well mate, that is when I am on holiday.

Are Team Ineos clean?

I do not think that Team Ineos are taking drugs. I think that, like a lot of examples in sports, they are playing the grey area game. If what they do does come out fully then it is probably not going to sit well.