Neil Lauder
Neil first discovered road cycling in 2013 when a friend who worked in a bike shop simply lent him a bike to try. What started as a way to keep fit soon grew into a way to explore, push himself further, and connect with a community that continues to inspire him.
Since then, cycling has become a passion that has taken him from local races in Kent to ultra-endurance events across Europe, giving him fitness, focus, and friendships along the way.
Over the past decade Neil has raced in a wide range of disciplines including road and criterium races, gravel events, time trials, and cyclocross. He particularly enjoys the challenge of time trials for their pure test of fitness but also thrives on endurance events that push both body and mind. His most memorable experience has been the Transcontinental, a 2,500 mile race across Europe through 13 countries. Neil said: “It was my first real step into ultra-endurance cycling and the unpredictability, from mechanical issues to weather, made it unforgettable.”
These days Neil still races when he can but cycling is just as much about fitness, mental wellbeing and time outdoors. Some of his favourite rides are the easy ones he shares with his young son.
Living in Ashford, Neil values the easy access to the countryside, with quiet country lanes never far away. He especially enjoys riding towards Canterbury and through the Elham Valley. He also recognises the potential for Ashford to become even more cycle-friendly with more connected routes across town, which would make everyday cycling easier and encourage more people to get on their bikes.
When it comes to advice for new cyclists, Neil recommends starting small, focusing on enjoyment and not worrying about having the best bike or kit. Joining a local club or group ride can also be a great way to learn and stay motivated whilst meeting other likeminded people.
Looking back, Neil says that cycling has given him much more than fitness. It has helped him build resilience, de-stress, and make friends across the world. It has even opened opportunities to work with cycling brands, something he never imagined when he first borrowed that road bike more than a decade ago.