We caught up with Evan Oliphant after he secured another medal at the British level, this time on the track in the Points Race Championship.
Read on to hear Evan’s thoughts on his achievement, and whether he’s coming back to race on the grass too…
Silver in the Points race Evan, happy with that?
“No, I had the legs to win gold but I was worked over.”
But I thought that the winner (Ross Sander) was a team mate?
“He was riding in a Recycling skinsuit as part of the GB under-23 squad but he’s not a team mate. I was on my own, but he had five or six guys working for him, Blyth, Swift, Stannard, Thomas and Hayles – he was the most blatant.
“I have to say though, that if I’d had all those team mates with me then I would have done exactly the same.”
What’s your favourite, road or track?
“I like the track but you can’t really go anywhere with it, can you?”
Have you ever thought about getting on the ‘plan’ (World Class Performance Plan)?
“Well, I’m not English – and it gets harder once you are over 23.”
Do you still ride the ‘gress’ (that’s grass track if you don’t come fae Fife) ?
“I rode a few this year, I won all the scratch races but it’s hard to win some of the handicaps when you are doing five laps and some of the other guys are only doing four!”
Were you happy with 2006 and what were the highlights?
“It was a good year but I was disappointed not to get a medal at the Commonwealth Games.
“I think the highlight was winning a stage in the Tour of Auckland in New Zealand and I rode well in the Bay Criteriums in Australia.”
Is that the 2006 season over for you?
“Yes, I haven’t touched my bike since the Points Race but I’m hoping to go to Australia and ride the Bay Criterium series again.”
Any exclusives for us?
“Aye. I’m off to a wedding in Aberdeen today where I’ll be playing the bagpipes.”
Cheers Evan!: Best of luck with the playing and the rest of the season!