On my bike: David Millar

A man in blue jeans and black T-shirt is sitting on the wall of a bridge over a canal in a city. He is holding an unfolded Brompton bike in front of him
The former pro racer, commentator and CHPT3 brand founder chats to Cycle magazine’s Dan Joyce about the fun and freedom of riding and why it’s impossible to choose a favourite bike

Why do you cycle?

I started as a kid because it was fun, and it felt like freedom. Then it became competitive and eventually a profession. These days it feels like I’ve gone full circle.

How far do you ride each week?

There can be huge weeks, there can be weeks when there’s nothing. I don’t set myself any targets.

Which of your bikes is your favourite?

That’s impossible to answer! I’m fortunate to have my dream bikes for all types of cycling, and each is my favourite for those rides.

What do you always take with you?

My phone.

Who mends your punctures?

I do it myself mid ride. My local shop sorts out my bodged tubeless repairs.

It’s raining: bike, public transport or car?

If it’s just riding for the sake of it, bike. I love riding in the rain. An urban situation? My Brompton and public transport.

A folded Brompton bike

Lycra or normal clothes?

Normal clothes for urban riding, Lycra for road, a mix for gravel or mountain biking.

If you had £100 to spend on cycling, what would you get?

Riding fuel: gels, bars, drinks. Lots of it.

What’s your favourite cycle journey?

I’ve discovered ultra gravel. I did the Traka 360 by ‘accident’ in 2023 and loved it. It was quite an other-worldly experience.

What single thing would most improve matters for UK cyclists?

A cultural paradigm shift. In the shorter term, a cycle lane system beyond cities.

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