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Rider Profile

Peter Kennaugh is one of British cycling’s brightest talents and will be focusing on the road again this season after a remarkable 2012 spent primarily on the track. The Manxman got his campaign off to a flier by helping Great Britain win the world team pursuit title in Melbourne, and followed that up by being part of the same quartet who smashed the world record twice on their way to an outstanding gold medal at the London Olympic Games.

Last season Kennaugh also found time to complete his second Giro d’Italia, and it is in the Grand Tours where many people believe his future lies. A third-placed finish on a mountainous 2011 edition of the Route du Sud certainly hinted as much, and four podium positions in his last four national championships appearances mark him out as one of Britain’s most consistent performers.

Q & A

Who inspired you to start cycling?
My family. They all cycle, even my granddad. My dad always had it on the TV as well.
First road bike:
A custom-fitted Vision with a Campagnolo Veloce on it. I knew I was getting it, even though my parents tried to keep it a secret.
First cycling club:
Manx Road Club which my granddad co-founded.
Childhood heroes:
I looked up to a lot of cyclists but Matthew Gilmore was a big hero and I wanted to do the sixes like him.
Funniest team mate:
There's a lot of banter between the British lads but Rigoberto is always bouncing around and up to mischief.
Career highlight:
Winning the team pursuit gold medal at the London Olympic Games in front of a home crowd.
Favourite race:
I love riding the Giro d'Italia and watching the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
What has cycling taught you?
It's taught me everything. It's my whole life. Without cycling I'd just be this person with no feeling for anything.

Previous teams:
None
Main interests away from cycling:
DJ-ing and house music, and recently watches.
If you weren't a rider, what would you be?
A DJ if I could.
Favourite film:
I love films so it's hard to pick.
Favourite music:
I've always grown up loving DJs. When I was about 15 it was all about Tiesto, then I moved on to other guys.
Best friend in the peloton:
Luke Rowe