Team Sky | Pro Cycling | Team

Rider Profile

One of Team Sky’s frontline sprint talents, Chris Sutton will be looking to put his speed to good use in 2013 after an injury-hit season in 2012. During his time with the team Sutton added the title of Grand Tour stage winner to his achievements with an impressive win at the Vuelta Espana in 2011.

The laid-back Australian is a versatile performer comfortable working as a final lead-out man or a protected sprinter. ‘CJ’ also has a penchant for the Classics, taking to the rough roads of the Low Countries every spring, significantly taking out Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne in 2011 with a well-timed sprint. Sutton will look to target yet more success in 2013.

Q & A

Who inspired you to start cycling?
My dad and uncle were both pros so it was in the genes. As a kid I always dreamt of being a professional and living in Europe.
First road bike:
One of my dad's old race bikes. It had a white steel frame with downtube shifters and toe straps.
First cycling club:
St George Cycling Club in Sydney
Childhood heroes:
My dad and my uncle, and then Bradley McGee and Bradley Wiggins.
What do you love most about cycling?
I just love riding my bike. If I ever stop enjoying it I'll retire.
What has cycling taught you?
I've learnt to look after myself both on the races and in life. I've also learnt to listen to my body.
Previous teams:
2005-07 Cofidis; 2008-09 Garmin-Slipstream
Favourite race:
The Tour Down Under and the Classics.
Highlight of your career:
Winning stages of the Tour Down Under and Vuelta a Espana, and also Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne.
Interests away from cycling:
Relaxing with my family and going to the beach.

If you weren't a rider, what would you be?
Probably playing soccer
Favourite film:
Anything with action in it.
Favourite music:
Tiesto and David Guetta.
Best friend in the peloton:
My team-mates
Favourite food:
Any home-cooked meal - especially burgers.
Most famous person you've met:
Bradley Wiggins and Japanese Keirin rider Koichi Nakano.
Most embarrassing moment:
Falling over when I first got clipless pedals. Luckily it was onto grass.
Interesting fact:
I love playing golf and I'm good at it.
Best advice:
Work hard and never give up. Nothing is easy.