Alexander Edmondson

Details

Category: Cycling

What is and how did you become involved your sport?

I have always been mad about bikes since I can remember. But my sister got picked for cycling through the Talent Identification Development program through SASI (South Australian Sports Institute) so I went out and tried track cycling and I was hooked.

Do you have a sporting mentor?

Yes, my coach Tim Decker, he always gets me to believe in myself and as a result I'm able to achieve my goals I set out to achieve.

Who is your sporting hero?

Jack Bobridge, not just been an awesome bike rider but being so supportive towards myself.

Age you started in your sport?

When I was 11 years old

Current Age, Weight and Height?

18 years old, 183cm and 76kg

Accreditation's/Certificates/Degrees/Occupation?

I passed year 11 at high school. But pulled out in year 12. At the moment I am concentrating on my cycling 110 percent. Depending on how it all goes I can go back to school and finish year 12.

What is the reason you continue to play your sport today/motivation?

I just love the sport. It's so rewarding, get to travel the world, meet people from all over the world and push yourself beyond where you thought you could.

What is your current ride?

My road bike is a BMC SLR1, it is an awesome ride. Very smooth and also very light. My track bike is a BT Blade for Pursuits and bunch racing I ride a BT Edge.

People that have inspired you not only in sport but in life as well?

There are two main people who have inspired me so far in my short career, Jack Bobridge and Shamus Liptrot. Firstly Jack, he has achieved so much already at a young age but still he has been so supportive towards me. He goes out of his way to help me out and give me advice. Also Shamus Liport, he was one of my best mates who was tragically taken from us in a horrific bike racing accident. But Shamus always told me just to be happy and give your absolute best and at the end of the day if you did that that's all that matters. Whenever I get on my bike with a number on my back it's for him, Shamus.

Great experiences that happened in your life?

I have had many great experiences in my life so far but I think the best was pulling on the Green and Gold at the Junior World Championships last year in Russia and winning gold in a world record time in the under 19 Team a pursuit.

Your Interests and Hobbies outside of your sport?

I love spending time with my friends, mountain biking, watching movies and going to the beach.

One tip or quote which continues to inspire you?

Pain is temporary but success lasts a life time.

Family Background and current family?

Mum came from Scotland, her dad played soccer in the National British league. Dad was from Australia, he was all into Football. Dad is a Petroleum Engineer and mum is a relief teacher and also works in a Craft Shop. I have an older brother who is currently completing his Pilot’s license and a Sister (Nettie) who is in the Australian Cycling team as well.

Achievements/Results to this point?

1st Elite Team Pursuit - UCI World Cup London - United Kingdom - 2012

1st Elite Team Pursuit - Australian Track Nationals - Adelaide - 2012

1st Elite Madison - UCI World Cup Astana - Kazakhstan - 2011

2nd Elite Team Pursuit - UCI World Cup Beijing - China - 2012

2nd Elite Team Pursuit - UCI World Cup Astana - Kazakhstan - 2011

2nd Elite Madison - Australian Track Championships - Adelaide - 2012

2011 South Australian Sports Institute Junior Athlete of the Year Award

Who did you grow up idolizing?

When I first started cycling I used to idolize Shane Kelly. This was he was so professional and always said hello when I saw him.

Who has been your most influential coach?

I would have to say Tim Decker. He has made me who I am today not just on the bike but off it as well. He has always said, "I am going to take you to a whole new level, one you would never have thought you could go!"

How has playing your sport changed your life?

If I hadn't started cycling then I know it would be nothing like it is today. Cycling has thought me how to push myself through the pain barrier, be professional, time management, organization and life skills.

What is the greatest advice you can pass onto young riders?

In cycling you are going to lose more races then you win but you have to use this to motivate yourself to achieve the dreams and goals you set out to achieve.

Were you one of the best riders growing up?

When I first started cycling I did not get any good results. I got kicked out of TID after a year because they felt I didn't have any potential in the sport. This kicked off my career as I wanted to prove them wrong

Training Background (sports, etc.)?

I used to race Downhill mountain biking before I was a cyclist. As well used to play school, club and state level soccer. I had to pull the pin though because I didn't have enough time to do them all as well as cycling.

Favourite Foods/Type of diet you follow?

My favourite food would have to be Roast Lamb. I try to eat a balanced diet so some protein, carbs and lots of vegetables.

Favourite Body part to Train plus training spilt (training schedule + fav session)

I don't know what would be my favourite but I like big gear efforts behind the motor bike on the track. Mainly because it is at very high speeds.

Describe a typical day?

Normally wake up at 8 then have a road ride in the morning normally around 100 kilometres then in the afternoon have track training for around 3 hours then home for dinner then get to bed by 9pm and do it all the next day

Worst injury you have suffered?

I tore my cartilage in my Right Knee in April 2011 while mucking around at school. I ended up have to have surgery and got 6 stitches in it. Normally if you tear your cartilage you get 2 stitches. This meant I wasn't able to walk on it for 2 months and off the bike for 3 and a half months!

Favourite place to race?

Anywhere where there is a big crowed and your family watching. I raced in London in front of 6000 people that was unbelievable

Greatest sporting moment you have had thus far?

I think the my favourite sporting moment today would be braking the world record and wining gold in the Team Pursuit at the Junior World Championships in Russia.

Who has been your greatest rival?

To be honest my sister Nettie. There is a huge rivalry between us trying to be the better sibling. It's great because it pushes us to achieve but at the end of the day we are so happy to see the other one achieve and get good results.

What is your favourite movie?

My favourite movie would probably be Billy Madison. Just because it's pretty funny always makes you laugh.

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

I took many but I think the biggest that they always said is, "Make sure you follow your heart and whatever it is give it 110 precent'.

How do you deal with temptation?

Well it’s hard but you just got to put it out of head and think about if you sacrifice this then if I win that race in 2 months’ time it will be worth it. But yea of course it’s a hard one!

What is your favourite music/band/song?

I don't have one favourite band. I like a big variety of music everything but heavy metal. I can’t stand that stuff!!

What is your biggest fear?

To be honest, snakes. There isn't much I’m scared of but that is one. I dunno why just cannot stand them. Makes me feel and look like a softy but I dunno can’t stand them!

Do you believe "never giving up" is the difference between making it and not making it in any sport?

Yes, I think that saying is true. If you just give up when the going gets tough you’re not going to be able to do it when it really matters. There are going to be some very hard times in your career but that's when you have to stick in there and keep going because you will come out the other side soon enough!

Have you ever failed at anything? If yes how did you overcome this?

Yes, many times. The biggest would have to be when I didn't make the cut for the Junior World Track Team in 2010. I had trained and trained for it but got beaten by better riders. It was very hard to take but from that day on I told myself I was going to give 110 precent and make the team the following year.

What inspired you to succeed?

It's that feeling you get when you stand on the podium with the medal around your neck the huge amount of pride and the feeling all of those sacrifices paid off. I don’t think there is a better feeling then that.

What did you want to be as a kid growing up?

When I was younger I actually wanted to work in a zoo. I have always loved animals actually been fascinated. When I was younger while other kids my age were watching cartoons I watched documentaries on wild life!!

Typical race day routine?

Wake up have a shower and finish on cold then a big breakie then back to the room listen to a bit of relaxing music and then about 30 minutes before leaving the real pump up music comes out and that's when I know its RACE DAY!

What is the ultimate prize for you in your sport and why?

I think that my ultimate goal for me in my cycling is to achieve my own goals I have set out to achieve. Also to be loving it the whole way through.

You’re Future Goals in your sport, what are goals after you have finished racing?

My ultimate goals are to one day be able to pull on the green and gold at the Olympic Games and win a 1 day race in Europe. After my cycling career I don't see me getting a job which isn't to do with cycling. I would love to be a coach and give back to the great sport.

What's the one thing about you few people know?

My sister Nettie fed me a Cockroach when I was sitting in my high chair when I was round 2 years old:|

What one item can you not live without?

Family for sure. I wouldn't be where I am today without the support they have given me.

People you would like to thank?

Firstly my Mum and Dad and rest of family they have all done so much, supporting taking me to races. My coach Tim Decker and his wife Michelle the amount of time they have put aside for me is incredible. Central District Cycling Club, Cycling South Australia and Cycling Australia they have all been so supportive and all my friends. I wouldn't be here without all of these kind and loving people.

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