Team Sky | Pro Cycling | Team

Rider Profile

Mathew Hayman is a rider who lives for the Classics and has achieved two top-10 finishes at Paris-Roubaix, as well as similar results in races such as Ghent-Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. It was at the 2011 Paris-Bourges though, where he claimed his first Team Sky victory, and lists that alongside his 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medal as one of the highlights of his 12-year career.

When he is not battling it out on the cobbles of Northern Europe, Hayman is one of cycling’s strongest rouleurs and his wealth of experience means he often calls the shots as road captain as the team battles it out for success.

Q & A

Who inspired you to start cycling?
My older brother. We used to live on a farm and we rode everywhere together.
First bike:
A black and white one I got for Christmas when I was 12 or 13.
First cycling club:
The Canberra Cycling Club.
Childhood hero:
I didn't have any cycling heroes but I looked up to people who set good examples for me.
What do you love most about cycling?
I love being part of a team. Cycling is my passion and even though I sometimes only see it as a job, whenever I'm off my bike, I miss it.
What has cycling taught you?
To work hard and be dedicated to what you're doing. Being part of a team has taught me to be more accepting as well.
What keeps you going when you're on the limit?
That thought that if you don't give up, anything's possible. After a race, you have to know you gave everything.
Previous teams:
1997-99 Rabobank Continental Team; 2000-09 Rabobank
Favourite race:
Paris-Roubaix
Career highlight:
Winning the Commonwealth Games on home soil in 2006. It doesn't get much better than that.
Funniest team-mate:
Geraint is very funny and Edvald can also be quick.

If you weren't a rider, what would you be?
I can't imagine. Maybe studying or doing a mundane job wearing a suit.
Interests away from cycling:
I used to be into computers but now it's all about my family.
Favourite film:
Pulp Fiction
Favourite music:
I like alternative rock.
Best friend in the peloton:
The guy giving me a massage after the stage.
Favourite food:
Apple crumble
Most famous person you've met:
Bradley Wiggins
Most embarrassing moment:
I once did a wheelie through a set of traffic lights and then fell in front of about 40 other riders.
Interesting fact:
I hate packing my suitcase.
Best advice:
Eat - sleep - train, get the basics right.