Scott Creighton, Champion Cyclist
Scott Creighton has gone from strength to strength in the New Zealand cycling fraternity. HBHS interviewed him about his progress:
How did you become involved in cycling?
I started with triathlons. I competed in a National competition in 2007 and cleaned up in the cycling leg. A spectator mentioned that I should do a tour, so I entered in the Te Awamutu Tour and came 12th on no training. I haven’t really looked back from there.
What has this year involved for you in terms of cycling?
I’ve been selected to go to the Junior World Competition in Moscow, on the track, so I’m training for that at the moment.
When does that happen?
I leave on the 12th of July and go to a three week training camp in Belgium. Then I attend a 10 day training camp on the track in Switzerland. From there I go to Moscow. The Junior Worlds start of the 12th of August, and we get back on the 22nd.
How do you fund something like that?
Mum and Dad. I’m looking for help with this at the moment: I’m approaching big companies with an interest in cycling to see if they would be interested in supporting me with donations. We’ve creating a ‘Scott’s Junior World’ logo on it for donors.
What was involved in getting selected for the Junior Worlds?
I went to the track Nationals in Invercargill. My performance was assessed down there. I came fourth in the individual pursuit. They take a team of six, so I have a feeling that that is what got me in. They had a trial in the Velodrome as well.
Do you race with a team or by yourself?
For certain races I do. I’m with Pure Black Racing, which is New Zealand’s first professional team. I’m in the Development Squad for that. Some races I race for them, and some as an individual. Last week at Club Nationals I raced as an individual.
How did that go?
Good. I got fifth in the time trial for the road race.
After the Worlds, what is the best case scenario for you?
Hopefully I come home with a medal and if I do a solid time, then that is when professional teams will start looking at me. So hopefully I’ll get asked to ride for a team overseas next year. When I get back I’ll start training towards the Tour of Southland, which is New Zealand’s biggest tour.
Do you have a coach?
I have a coach – Blair Taylor is my personal coach, and then I’ve got a New Zealand coach, Ross Mischeski. He’s the coach for those of us who are going to the Worlds.
What sort of kilometers are you putting in at the moment?
I’m just about to start my base training, so probably 700 to 1,000 kilometres a week for the first two weeks at low intensity. The k’s get smaller, but the intensity gets higher as the training progresses. The first three weeks will be out on the road, getting miles on my legs, and then after that I work on an erg.
Best of luck to you, Scott. We’re looking forward to seeing you do well.
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