James Moss
(mossy)
Born: 11 Feb 1985
Hometown: Burnley, now living in Newcastle
Four most significant cycling achievements?
- Winning the first BCF race I entered, the Otley 2 day, whilst having absolutely no tactical knowledge at all - Finishing fourth in the East Yorkshire Classic Premier Calendar after being in the break for the whole race- Finishing all UCI stage races I started in 2009 whilst working full time and revising - Being offered a professional contract.
Best moment on bike?
Finally being able to ride again after the injury described below!
Person who has had the most influence on your cycling career and why?
Willy Thompson - Organiser of hundreds of races in the North East. I would not be racing if Willy didn't put his races on often three times a week and I certainly wouldn't have achieved the results I have without his brutal motor-pacing!
Rider you most revere/admire and why?
Alexander Vinokourov (before his ban!) because of his constant ridiculous attacks.
What was your first ever bike?
Universal mountain bike with 16" wheels.
Your most "impressive" injury?
Coming off my mountain bike head first knocking myself out for 15 minutes, collapsing my spine and crushing two vertebrae.
What is your favourite route?
A ride through Northumberland National Park via Rothbury and Elsdon, taking in the climbs of Rothley Craggs, Coldrife, Bilsmoor, Winter's Gibbet and Middleton Bank before a tea and cake stop in Belsay.
If you were not a pro-racer what would you be doing right now?
Still working as a Chartered Surveyor!
What is your hidden talent?
Last time I tried I could ride a unicycle.
What is your favourite food?
Although not strictly a food, Christmas dinner.
Do you have a particular lucky ritual before a race or any other quirks or superstitions?
Never to shave on a race day, does that count?
Whats your aim for 2010 and beyond?
Be part of a team which wins a UCI race, improve substantially as a result of being full time, podium in a Premier Calendar, race the Tour of Britain and to be able to continue as a professional again during 2011.
What does being in Endura Racing mean to you?
It means that for the first time I have the opportunity to reach my full capability, race with and learn from some of the best riders in the country and make a living from the sport I love.