Epic Riders
Michael
Pryde
Rider profile
Age: 40
Birthplace: Hong Kong
Hometown: Hong Kong
Nationality: New Zealander
Bike Size: S
Bike: Alize Frameset – Matt Carbon
Online:
My Rides
- 100km through Hong Kong
- Cameron / Genting Highlands, Malaysia
- Cape Argus ride, South Africa
- Cycle To The Sun, Hawaii, USA
- From downtown to the tranquil seaside, Hong Kong
- Lake Como, Italy
- Ride and Demo Day, Singapore
- Sai Kung Country Park, Hong Kong
- Singapore OCBC, Singapore
- Stoppomat Challenge, Germany
- Swiss Alps, Switzerland
- Taroko National Park ride report, Taiwan
- Vattenfall Cyclassics, Germany
Has there ever been a life-changing moment in your life?
Several: Breaking my knees twice, breaking my shoulders twice, and spending too many days in hospital. But all this pales into comparison to getting married and bringing up 2 daughters.
How did you start cycling?
Was nuts about BMX throughout the 70-80s and naturally moved into MTB where I raced around the world in DH and some XC events, including winning the National Champs in 1998 and 12th in the Asian Champs in 1999. In order to remain competitive in MTB I started Road Racing in the 90s and after some injuries that prevented ongoing DH racing, I turned to Road full time and never looked back.
Who is your favorite cyclist?
My good friend Bingen Fernandez. I first rode with him in the Pyrenees in 2004 when he was still at Cofidis and have remained good friends ever since. He even came to HK to ride some of the craziest urban cycling anywhere in the world.
Where would be your preferred place to ride?
French Alps. Have been travelling to France on an annual pilgrimage to various Tour climbs over the last 10 years, and very few places can compete against the spectacle of riding up some of the world's most famous climbs, especially when its on the eve of a big stage and the ascent is packed 2-3 deep in cycling fans.
Why do you prefer cycling over other sports activities?
Cycling gives you a sense of freedom that other sports I have done does not offer. At the same time it has that element of danger that reminds me how fragile life can be at 80+ km/hr. The sport also has a sub culture that only cyclists understand which creates a strong social network throughout the world.
Does your family support your cycling addiction?
Family has taken the view that if I don't get out and ride 2-3 times a week I am generally a pretty unhappy (anti-social) individual, so they prefer that I ride and get it out of my system.
What is your favorite quote?
"The top of the climb is just around the next turn" – blatant lie.
"Lets take it easy today" – another favourite lie.