I knew I’d never make it as a pro but a good tailwind still makes me think I had a chance

This article is part of a series called ‘A love letter to…’, where Cycling Weekly writers pour praise on their favourite aspects of cycling. The below content is unfiltered, authentic and has not been paid for.

I was an anomaly as a child. While all my friends at primary school were playing football, grazing their knees, and pretending to be the stars from the Panini sticker albums, I had a very different sporting hobby.