Andrew Magnier: Track League King

However in 2007 he shall be concentrating on the road season, with the Premier Calender and u23 International races the main targets

“I want to get my first cat license as soon as possible, and maybe even do a few races abroad before peaking for the Senior Track nationals in October”.

Andy is currently living in Bristol whilst studying for a degree in Engineering at Bristol University and starts each day by checking his training schedule and emails before travelling to uni for lectures. Most of his training is completed in the evening, with either a road ride across to Wales in the Forrest of Dean, or if back home rides in the Peak District and up the Cat and Fiddle, mixed in with sessions at the gym and racing at Newport TL, which he is on the verge on winning.

Not only is Andy the current two time Brooks Cycles Track League champion, he is also on the verge of winning the Newport Track League. He puts his success down to his organisational skills.

“I know exactly what’s happening for weeks in advanced and that means I have so much more time for riding. I’m extremely motivated to achieve due to my love of riding, staying fit, meeting people, and the adrenaline rush that it gives me!”

“My coach Chris Pyatt sends my plans to follow and because we've talked through everything I'll be doing and what I can fit in already, it's fairly easy to follow”.

He is immensely proud of his achievements, particularly those at Newcastle track, which is where he first experienced the joys of cycling, five years ago with his younger brother and teammate Steve Hill in the Freewheelers League.

Andy comments on his achievements:

 “It was fantastic to win the TL for the second year running, but to be honest I didn't want to give that trophy back anyway!”

“I find the track gives me a great indication of my fitness, and it really filled me with confidence which I needed to finish the Junior Tour of Wales, which was the toughest thing I have ever done!”

Magnier is known for dominating events that he races, this is demonstrated by his victory in the Youth Track Omnium at Manchester Velodrome, where he didn’t lose a single race, despite coming up against riders of the calibre of Yasumitsu Schlapp’s Dan Woolfenden and Sigma Sport’s Alex Wise

He produced an inspirational performance in finishing fifteenth in the National Junior Pursuit Championships and recorded a personal best time, all with a broken foot! That must have taken some serious will power, similar to that of Emma Jones, of whom Andrew admires.

“Without the support of my family and friends I wouldn’t be where I was today and along with Tony Brooks and Chris Pyatt, I really admire Emma Jones for getting back into racing following her terrible accident, and to win the Commonwealth Bronze in the Pursuit aswell!”

Perhaps the main question people want the answer to, especially his fans and rivals from home, is will Andy ride the Brooks Cycles Track League in 2007 and in years to come?

“At the moment I'm still riding for Tony and Brooks Cycles. It's all to do with whether my plans and aims fit the clubs plans for 2007. I think this year I'm going to be aiming more at the road.”

“As for the track league, it all depends when I'm back home. I definitely won’t be able to defend my title in 2007, that’s up for grabs, but I promise to show my face as much as possible, as long as I don’t get a kicking when I return.”

“But in the future I really do hope I can be TL champion again, especially so I can take my coach Chris Pyatt’s record of 12 league victories!”

Andrew’s coach, Chris Pyatt had this to say:

“Although Andrew is only 18 years old he has been a regular at the track for a number of years and has already won the A Class league twice which is a unequalled record for someone so young.

“From a rolling start he has a great turn of speed which sets him apart from other riders. He is confident on the bike and is always thinks his way through races.”

“Off the bike he is one of the nicest young men you would want to meet and it's been a pleasure to coach him. I believe that he can go on to become a top National Class endurance rider on both the Track and Road in the years to come.”

Despite Andy’s comments, I for one won’t bet against him retaining his title for the third year running. In the past Magnier has totally dominated events, and sometimes completed a clean sweep of victories on Thursday nights in Newcastle. Consequently, I believe that he has the hunger and ability to repeat this dominance and in the process score enough points to take a narrow victory in 2007.

Whilst not on his bike, Andy is very musical and enjoys playing the many instruments that litter his home, taking influence from Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Muse and especially the new album by the Fratellis.

He also owns a motorbike and enjoys watching films such as the Gladiator and the Matrix and the Lord of the Rings trilogies. Socialising with friends is also a favourite pastime, especially watching the BBC drama Robin Hood with his neighbours in his Halls of Residence at Bristol University, whilst enjoying a ‘proper Indian Curry’ of Rogan Josh.

If a cycling wasn’t a possibility, a career in Engineering would be looming, or perhaps even the dream job of a F1 driver! But it is clear to see that Andrew knows exactly what he wants and is very passionate about cycling.

“British Cycling are doing a hell of a lot to encourage cycling, however I think more needs to be done at a much higher level to get cycling into the British mindset.”

“The government need to be doing much more to encourage both organised racing and general cycling, and to help change the mindset of other road users who don’t appreciate how hard it is to get on a bike instead of taking the easy way out and sitting in a car.”

He has a truly international experience of cycling, as whilst in Croatia on a training ride he suffered a puncture next to a few allotments in the middle of nowhere.

“My pump broke and I was really stuck, then a German guy appeared from one of the allotments. I got talking to him, trying to remember GCSE German; we had a really interesting conversation. Then he returned to his falling down shed and revealed a top of the range track pump and came to my rescue! What a Legend!”

Obviously studying for a degree in Engineering means Andy is passionate about his equipment, in particular his Dura Ace chainset, which he considers to be the best available as no matter what the conditions it gives a smooth ride. He also says:

“I love wearing my Brooks Cycle skin suit on the track, it makes me feel much faster, and professional!”

On that note I wish Andy success in achieving his goals for 2007 and thank him for a fantastic interview and let him return to work, where he is putting in the hours to fund a road racing trip to Belgium.