The four-time national cyclo-cross champ talks gym workouts, CX-specific training, and why motivation is a moveable feast

When cycling’s your job, real-world skills remain frozen in time

At 16, I was just obsessed with engines and motorbikes. That’s all. I used to have an AR50 Kawasaki moped when I was 16. It’s knackered, but I’ve still got it and I’m going to do it up. My whole life

As his seven-year-old son discovers racing, Michael Venutolo-Mantovani navigates the fine line between encouragement and pressure when parenting a bike-mad kid

What’s been your hardest race? The nationals this year, because I messed up hurdle seven and walked over the hurdle then jogged to the finish line. It was an awful experience, the feeling of everyone

The 18-year-old Italian is the European U23 cyclo-cross champion and the youngest rider in the men’s WorldTour