Andy Hawdon

What inspired you to start cycling? I’ve been at home on two wheels since I was around three-years-old. As a kid I would be found out on my bike making BMX tracks and racing around while other kids were playing football.

Favourite place to ride and why? Tough one that as I enjoy riding just about anywhere but if I had to pick one I would say the Leadville 100 in Colorado. It's a mountain bike race but the trails and scenery were the best I've ever seen.

Favourite post-ride meal? Granola with Greek yoghurt.

What are your favourite Direct Nutrition products? I like all the products we use and I'm not easily pleased when it comes to nutrition so that's an indication of how great the products are.

OK, so if you had to pick one favourite product what would it be? If I had to pick one product as a favourite I'd say the recovery shake as I think it mixes well tastes great and most of all is effective at getting recovery started as soon as the hard work is done, a shake after training and racing followed later by good food leaves me with no muscle soreness the following day.

I also really like the wholefood bar as it tastes great and is easy to eat during ride both for its consistency and size.

What is it about the Direct Nutrition products that you like? All of the products taste great and I also want to point out that I have had no stomach issues with any of the products which is often an issue with sports nutrition. I find a Direct Nutrition Elite protein bar useful as when I'm at work I find it hard to fuel between meals and we all know grazing is better than gorging to support a healthy metabolism. These are also good for the end of a long ride in the final hour to help recovery.

What is your advice to anyone who wants to become a professional racer? Ask yourself if you’re trying your hardest and doing all you can

Who is your cycling hero and why? Fabian Cancellara. Don't think I need to explain why!

Do you have a nickname? If so what is it and why is it that? Odi. I got called it at school as it was like a short version of my surname and was also on the famous mushroom grips we all had on our BMX's.

How do you take your coffee? Latte, flat white, espresso etc... Usually Americano. 

Favourite music? Like loads depending on mood but there's always dance music on my playlist.

Favourite film? The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

Favourite race? If I'm going to pick only one then it would have to be the Rutland-Melton.

What has been your proudest moment on the bike? Finishing on the podium at Otley Circuit Race 2013 and completing the Leadville 100 in under 8 hours.

What was your first bike? Funnily enough a Raleigh Budgie (it was Brown).

Have you got a secret skill or party-piece? If so what is it? I can whip a mountain bike pretty good don't really do any tricks on the road bike though.

What would your go to karaoke song be? Don't really have one but I know it would sound awful.

Most embarrassing moment on your bike? Falling over it while putting a wheel in at a race in a crowded car park.

If you weren't a cyclist what would you be doing instead? I work full time as an electrical support engineer I'm married and also two great kids so life is busy to say the least but if I wasn't cycling which I can't ever imagine I'd probably spend any spare time tinkering with my car.

What is the one thing in the world you couldn't live without? Soppy I know but got to be my wife and kids.

If you could have one super power what would it be? Invisibility.

Would you rather have more time or more money? More time!