Can you introduce yourself?
I'm 18 years old and a British cyclist from West Yorkshire, England.

Why did you choose cycling as your sport?
I came into cycling via a talent identification program - British Cycling coaches came to my school and I was tested to see if I had the physical potential to be any good at cycling! After physiological tests and a selection day I was selected to be a member of the Talent Team. I then mixed cycling with my other 2 sports, running and netball before finally choosing cycling as what I really wanted to pursue.


Hannah Mayho finished second in the race of Hoeleden.
Photo © 2009 Bart Hazen

What kind of rider is Hannah Mayho?
I ride both the track and road, my favorite event on the track is the individual pursuit. I love road racing too but I'd say I'm more suited to the wind and cobbles of Belgium than the hills and mountains of Italy or France!

Which hobbies do you have next to cycling?
I love shopping, especially with my friends or sisters. Apart from that, just chilling out, doing my nails, reading, watching films etc. I also love cooking and trying out new meals!


At the start of the criterium of Herentals
Photo © 2009 Bart Hazen

You are graduated in Human Biology, Psychology and English Literature if I'm correct. What kind of directions you can have work in after your cycling career?
I'm not really sure and I hope that that's something I won't have to think about for a while now as I hope to have a good cycling career! However, Psychology really interested me so if I was to go to university after cycling it would be perhaps to do a Psychology degree.

It's your first full season as an Elite rider. How do you look back on the 2009 season thus far?
It's been pretty quiet really, I was injured at the start of the year which set me back, then I picked up another injury in June, so it's been pretty stop start! It was also my final year at school (I finished in June) and I really wanted to do well so that took priority over cycling as far as racing was concerned. Simon Cope, my coach was very understanding though and now since I moved to Belgium at the end of June and I only have cycling to think about I've seen a huge improvement. I had a win in a post-tour criterium in Herentals and have been on the podium twice again in a kermesse and another post-tour crit, so I'm going in the right direction!

On her way to an impressive victory in Herentals!
Photo © 2009 Bart Hazen

What performance/achievement you are the most proud of?
Last year, 2008 was probably my most successful year yet, although I was very lucky in that along with the help of British Cycling I had a very supportive team at Longstaff Cycles and sponsors such as BH, Madison, Schwalbe, Full-Cycle and Giro.

I won both the team pursuit (along with Alex Greenfield and Jess Booth) and individual pursuit at the Junior European Championships in Poland. The individual pursuit was especially exciting too as it was so close between myself and Belgian rider and Junior World Road Race Champion, Jolien D'Hoore.

You are both active on the track and the road. For the future you are going to combine both disciplines towards the Olympics in London 2012?
The road race in London is quite flat I think, so therefore I'm more likely to be selected for it than if it was in Switzerland or something! But I do think it's important to be realistic about London 2012 - there are very few places available to women and the team, especially the team for the track, is of a very high standard. I will continue though, to do both road and track as I think they complement each other, and obviously if I'm good enough I would love to do either!

In the break (Hoeleden) together with team mate Joanna Rowsell and German Desiree Schuler.
Photo © 2009 Bart Hazen

What do you prefer the most in racing (in general)?
I like hard races, they're more satisfying. Whether it's hard because I'm fighting to stay with the group over a climb, or because I've attacked, or because I'm in a situation where I have to think on my feet; I think more satisfaction is gained from racing when you know you've had to really push yourself.

Which race(s) in Europe you want to ride if given the opportunity?
There are so many! I've hardly ridden any big races this year, the only ones I've done have been Sparkassen and Holland Hills. I'm looking forward to riding Tour of Flanders next year though, as it's around where we live in Oudenaarde and looks like a good race!

On the podium in Herentals as winner flanked by Nikki Harris and Dani King!
Photo © 2009 Bart Hazen

Who has inspired you, or currently inspires you to race. (Or in the present)?
The whole GB Olympic Cycling Team were so inspirational in Beijing but personally I have always been inspired by Victoria Pendleton, Lance Armstrong and Yvonne McGregor. Also, Kelly Holmes, as she went through so much disappointment in her career in athletics, to finally achieve her dream.

What will be your racing schedule until the end of the season?
In terms of the road I haven't got many races left, I am riding Plouay World Cup on Saturday, then finish my road season with Trophee d'Or Feminin. After that I return to the UK to begin my preparation for the track, with my first competition being a European Cup Track Meeting in Barcelona at the end of September.

What are your goals for the rest of the 2009 season? and if you don't mind…. long term career goals as a person and cyclist?
I just want to keep generally improving and working on my weaknesses in order to get stronger. I also think its important that not only do I become physically better but that I learn from my mistakes in racing as well.