On my bike: Joss Lowden

Why do you cycle?

Time outside, activity, time to hang out with my friends and family, opportunities to explore, the stimulus of racing and competition…

How far do you ride each week?

If I am training in the winter out in Spain, about 500-600km in a week. If I’m doing turbo sessions, it could be very little.

Which of your bikes is your favourite?

I get the most pleasure riding outside on my road bike.

What do you always take with you?

Snacks. Something like banana bread or a hot cross bun, which makes you look forward to munching.

Who mends your punctures?

Tempting fate but I very rarely puncture. Although I did in the last 15km of the road race at the world championships.

Lycra or normal clothes?

It depends. Cycling kit isn’t appropriate for a nice meal out in the same way a leather skirt is inadvisable when riding a TT bike.

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

A really comfortable, well-fitting pair of shorts. It is so important to be able to sit happily on the saddle.

What’s your favourite cycle journey?

From my old flat in south London down to Sussex to see my family. It went through the Kent hills and across the Ashdown Forest, which is stunning.

What single thing would most improve matters for UK cyclists?

Drivers actually understanding the rules around cyclists and how they ride on the road, and then for drivers to have more patience.