Russ Downing Looks to Classics…

With two major stage races under his belt already this season, Team Sky’s Russ Downing is relishing the prospect of returning to Europe with some good form. Speaking to us earlier today Russ said he was getting stronger and faster with each race and was looking forward to some European racing, although not the cold conditions that currently occupy northern Europe.

Russell has come a long way in a year, now part of Team Sky’s ProTour outfit, the 2009 Tour of Ireland winner is loving the new team and the higher level of racing, “It was a little strange at first, but now it just feels so normal. Getting to start the Tour Down Under instead of the UK’s Bikeline Two Day (Ed. note: which incidentally was prematurely cancelled after stage one, due to safety reasons) is a big bonus, so it’s really great to be doing the big races.”

At the Tour of Qatar, Downing was in the thick of the action for Team Sky, regularly seen leading the peleton train in the closing kilometres in preparation for a high placing for Team Sky’s sprinters. The comradery between the Team Sky riders is clearly evident and this appeals to Downing, “As a rider, you can give so much more if you know you are also doing it for your team and team mates. We all get on well and have a good laugh off the bikes, which makes our time on the bikes when racing more important, we don’t want to let each other down. I’ve waited four years for this and I’m loving it.”

Downing will  travel back to the UK before the classics, where he will take a few days recovery, including no doubt, a few rides with his brother and fellow pro Dean Downing (Rapha Condor Sharp). Russ will then look to the Spring Classics which he is really looking forward to being part of.

Downing is more renowned as a stage racer and would dearly love to be involved in a major Grand Tour in the next year or two, “I’d love to do a major Tour at some point, I’m just really enjoying racing within this amazing team. Everyday I pull on my Sky jersey I feel so proud and special to be part of this setup.”

Both Russell and Dean are part of Bike Pure and both wear the wristband to show their support, Russell commented “I’d like to say a big thank you to Bike Pure and the support they give us, there are going to be some great times ahead, watch this space…”

We’ll keep you up to date on Russ’s progress as the season continues…

Photo © courtesy www.jxpphotography.com.au