Right at the backend of last year, I stood atop a wall trying to take pictures of a race. Two of my team mates (Rhys and Clem) where riding in the 'Finsbury Park RR' on a notoriously windy course - with a steep short climb up to the finishing line. Early in the race a break formed and the bunch seemed to almost sit up - the race was effectively over. In this break was 'Alex Dowsett' the Under 23 rider on the '100% Me' Team, I had heard of him before but didnt know much about him. In the dieing Km of the race, he rode off the front of the break and soloed to victory. Afterwards I spoke to Alex in the HQ - he seemed like a very nice guy, sitting drinking a tea, still in his kit - while all the other riders ran around drinking recovery drink and donning compression tights. I asked him about Team Sky and the rumors of a move to the Trek-Livstrong Under 23 Team, I also asked about his contract with Rapha Condor Sharp (By far my favourite domestic team!) Dowsett was very down to earth and seemed perfectly happy to chat - so I was really glad to hear he had got through his first pro race - The Tour Of Quatar and even have a go in a break. Hopefully we will see Essex boy Dowsett winning some big races in the future!
