Jay Thomson (Bissell Pro Cycling)

We recently met up with Jay Thomson, an inspirational and aggressive rider from South Africa who has already shown his worth in the Merco Classic Stage Race, the traditional season opener in the USA.

You were born in Krugersdorp, where exactly is it?
Yes, I was born in Krugersdorp and that is a smaller town just on the West side of the city of Johannesburg…

Is there a history of cycling in the area or family?
Well my Father, Mike Thomson, used to ride back when he was a youngster but unfortunately he never got the chance to race as a professionally because of working commitments – but he trained enough to go race in Belgium in the 70′s. He also won the South African men’s Road race in 1985…Mainly he raced on the track for most of his career.

When did you first realize you might make it as a pro?
I don’t know…I’ve just loved riding my bike since I started and always wanted to be a Pro and make a life of it…But I guess when I won my first big race in south Africa I realized that it could happen and I wanted to race abroad.

You have been African Time Trial Champion, can win bunch finish in a sprint and are not shy of a break away.   Everyone love pigeon holing riders, what are you?
I think you have put there…I like a bit of everything…Well I don’t really want to say I specialize in any of the 3 disciplines…I like being a bit of an all rounder to say…

How is the move to Bissell working out?
Bissell Pro Cycling has really been great from when the first signed me late December early January. The team is super Professional and really the owner of the team, Glen Mitchell, does everything he can to help his riders out By making sure we got the best equipment and going as far as that we have supplements of the highest and safest quality.

At the coffee stop: Espresso or Americano?
Espresso

Can you give the club cyclist advice on recovery and Teammate Frank Pipp says you always give it 110%- How do you remaining motivated?
Well my form of recovery is to be in my bed reading a book or sleeping- I’m more for eating healthy for recovery than one for taking shakes…Hahahaha…That’s what makes me-me I guess.

I cant tell you one thing to do that keeps me motivated but just that I love being in the race…I’m not one that wants to just sit hiding away in the bunch and doing nothing all day…The rush I get from just trying is enough for me…

Why do you not dope?
Cause that’s the easy way out in my eyes…If my body cant do it then I believe I’m not good enough and not going to try make myself good enough with something that’s going to kill me…And I wouldn’t be able to look myself in the mirror or face my father, (my role model and biggest fan), if I ever did…I always said “if I cant do it clean then id rather stop and get a desk job”…

What is your best day on the bike?
Wow I don’t know, got to many…But Everyday is a great day on the bike…Even the bad ones cause that just reminds me I’m human…

This is your second season in the USA, you like the racing lifestyle?
Yip the racing here is really great, Especially with all the bigger tours…But still Europe is my number one goal to get to…

What do you tell young kids dreaming of being a pro cyclist?
I’m just honest with them I guess…That they got to be prepared to be disappointed and lonely at times its not an easy life but I can promise you that one day you win a big race or actually win any race, that keeps you a live and training harder…But you got to enjoy life’s smaller things too…Cant forget about life and things that make you happy…All in moderation…

Lastly, if you only had one win this season (unlikely), where is it going to be?
If I could have one day to choose to have all my form, I’d really love it to be in the Tour of California

Header image courtesy of Shane Stokes: Tour of Langkawi stage 2.

and jxpphotography.com.au