James Ouchterlony - Cyclist (Pro MTB X)

PROFILE:

What are your biggest sporting achievements?

6th place in UCI World Cup Marathon.
Winning two UCI class 1 cross-country races.
British champion in 2007 of MTB marathon at elite level.
Combining touring, shopping and racing by bike 12 months of the year.
Representing the UK in World championship marathon races.
Representing Scotland in the Commonwealth Games.

What are your goals?

My goal is to continue to race at Elite level during 2012 and win marathon races in Mainland Spain and the Canary Islands. I used to have higher goals when I was younger but after competing in world level elite races where other riders have used illegal performance enhancing drugs (and subsequently sanctioned a year later for example), I have lost interest in travelling half way around the world to compete with these sorts of people.

Who is your coach?

Having a coach has always been difficult due to the costs involved. I have always coached myself. For the last few years my girlfriend has coached to me to certain extent. She is not a coach but by knowing me so well, she can help a lot.

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Tell us a bit about yourself

I have qualifications in mechanical engineering and I have Guinness World Record for creating the most fuel efficient road legal vehicle back in 1998!

With regard to sport, I spent many years practising endurance cycling in Scotland and racing around the world from 1986 to 2007. I then moved to the Canary Islands and raced there mainly. I had spent a few winters training in Tenerife and grew to like it and decided it would be good place to be based.

I used to practise other sports before cycling like rock climbing, running, triathlon and skiing but cycling requires so much of a person’s time, taking on board the recovery time also, that nowadays I only do a little swimming and hill walking.
 
Watching the three big tours on television this year, it looked like that the sport of road cycling has less illegal drug-use now. I think this is because there are far less riders being banned. Maybe they are ahead of the testing procedures or maybe they are clean. I have a lot of faith in Team Sky being drug-free because they have a very professional approach. I was competing in a mountain bike race two weeks ago alongside Roberto Heras (winner of the Vuelta a España road race numerous times) - I really do not have much time for a rider who has been caught for doping, is sanctioned, and then returns to the sport as if nothing has happened.

Tell us about your career history to date

I started riding BMX bikes in 1985, and then moved on to mountain bikes as soon as they became available. In 1988 I was Scottish Juvenile Champion and was good enough to compete in the World Championships. At that time the UCI (International Cycling Union) had just taken control of the sport and it was a very exciting time.

From 18 to 21 years old I had a recurring problem with a nerve in my left leg, so studying took over. I returned to cross-country mountain biking many years later and started again as a master at 30 years old. During the first year I was Scottish champion and the next year I moved to elite level and was on the podium at the British championships. The year after that I travelled outside the UK, had a major sponsor in Spain, and competed in world cup races. Over the next two years I travelled to all corners of the globe, winning many races, and then I switched to marathon mountain bike events. I became British champion in the marathon distance after three attempts and moved to the Canary Islands the next day.

My sponsor this year and for 2012 is Vadebicis and Mondraker bicycles. I am very privileged to be riding their bike which has just won the Bike of the Year at the Eurobike. They are designing very advanced bikes and I enjoy working with them because they listen to the riders and, as a result, they are experiencing success.

How has CFH treatment/advice helped you?

I have had two set of orthotic devices made by Dr. Glenn Duffy and they have given me peace of mind that the mechanics of my cycling motion is correct.

What’s the biggest difference in performance you have seen following CFH treatment?

I have optimised my power to the pedal with these orthotic devices and also avoided injury.

What does your training routine involve?

Ideally I get up at around 7am and am on the bike by 9am ready for a ride varying from 1 hour to 6 hours.

What do you like best about cycling?

The ability to make the bicycle work as a very useful, clean and efficient tool for every part of daily life. The bike develops great levels of independence provides so much adventure.

What’s your proudest moment?

There are many really. Doing a personal best time in a race or winning. I teach cycling to children and it’s great to see them picking up new ideas, improving their skills and enjoying sport.

What’s your top tip for someone trying to improve in your sport?

A person needs to be dedicated and have clear goals for each month and year.
An athlete has to have the desire to aim very high to reach the top level.

What’s the best way for people to follow your progress?

www.jamesouchterlony.blogspot.com