Rider Profile
Widely regarded as one the Britain’s brightest prospects, Jonathan Tiernan-Locke will step up to WorldTour level in 2013 following the best season of his career in 2012. The punchy climber from Devon hit the ground running in 2012 and the nine wins he achieved over the course of the year marked him out as a consistent and powerful performer. Overall wins at the Tour Mediterraneen, Tour du Haut Var, Tour Alsace and Tour of Britain left nobody in any doubt that ‘JTL’ was a rider ready to make the next step in his career.
Those claims were further strengthened at the 2012 World Championships when Tiernan-Locke headed up the Great Britain team in his worlds debut, mixing it up with the biggest names in the sport. He’ll be aiming to do so again in 2013.
Q & A
Who inspired you to start cycling?
My surroundings. I lived in the country so bikes were a way of getting around.First bike:
A Cannondale Team Saeco replica in silver.First cycling club:
The Mid-Devon Cycling ClubChildhood hero:
I looked up to Lance Armstrong when I was a kid.What do you love most about cycling?
It's a privilege to get paid for something I'd do as a hobby. Getting to race all over the world is a novelty that definitely hasn't worn off.What has cycling taught you?
The bad days have taught me that you've got to persevere with cycling. Results don't happen overnight and you can make breakthroughs if you put in the hard yards.Previous teams:
2009 Plowman Craven - Madison; 2010-11 Rapha Condor Sharp; 2012 Endura RacingFavourite race:
The Tour of Britain. I have a lot of good memories from it.Favourite ride:
Winning Haut Var last season. Being able to beat some of the best in the world whilst riding for a continental team was nice.If you weren't a rider, what would you be?
Possibly a designer. That's what I studied.Interests away from cycling:
Riding my motorbike.
Favourite film:
We Own The NightFavourite music:
The Stone RosesBest friend in the peloton:
Zak Dempster is a top bloke.Who makes you laugh the most on Team Sky?
Ben Swift and Luke Rowe have good banter.Favourite food:
It changes all the time, but recently I can't get enough of Comtè cheese.Most famous person you've met:
Bradley WigginsMost embarrassing moment:
At the Tour de Franch Comtè I thought there was a group up the road so I didn't contest a two up sprint. The other guy won.Interesting fact:
I like to bake.Best advice:
Stick at it. Things don't happen overnight and learning to get the most out of yourself can take years.
Career Highlights
2005
GP de Rocheville - 1st
2008
Totnes - Vire - 1st overall and one stage win
2010
FBD Insurance Ras - 1st overall
2011
Vuelta Ciclista a León - 2nd overall and one stage win; Tour of Britain - 5th overall and mountains classification 1st
2012
Tour Alsace - 1st overall and two stage wins; Tour Méditerranéen - 1st overall and two stage wins; Tour du Haut Var - 1st overall and one stage win; Tour of Britain - 1st overall; Vuelta a Murcia - 2nd overall
