Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Beckett graduate takes on Tour de Yorkshire
Scott graduated with a BSc (Hons) degree in Sports and Exercise Science from Leeds Beckett in 2011. At the time he was on the British Cycling Team. He is now with top level Team Dimension Data.
Speaking about his preparation for the Tour De Yorkshire, Scott said: “I race a lot, between 70 and 80 races a year. I have tailored my training to this course profile which includes lots of very short climbs. We’ve trained pretty well, so over the next couple of days I’ll be backing off training and resting up ahead of the race.
“It’ll be amazing to race on home roads with the best riders. This is my first time in the Tour de Yorkshire and it’s going to be great going through the places I where I grew up. Yorkshire has seen a real boom in cycling over the last few years and it’s nice to get recognition for what you’re doing and to see more people supporting cycling.
“It’s the time of year where I’m returning after my break so I’m building up condition but, this being a local race, I want to do the best I can and maybe aim for the ‘Sprinters jersey’ or ‘King of the Mountains jersey’. I’m with a great team of riders from all over the world. It’s a really great atmosphere and they’re a really friendly team and we support each other. We have a lot of fun and ride well together.”
He said his Sport and Exercise Science course has been of great benefit: “It’s helped me understand all the important things that go into the background of training to help you get the best performance on the day. My background in Sport and Exercise Science allows me to understand the decisions that those around me are making and gives me the confidence in those decisions, and I know what I need to do to prepare for being in the best physical condition for a race.”
Scott said it takes a lot of dedication to be a top level cyclist: “My advice to any students who are looking at pursuing a sport professionally is to stick at it and make sure the enjoyment is always there as this is what ultimately drives you to do the training needed to be a top level athlete and make the necessary sacrifices, such as not going out partying and drinking. If you enjoy the sport and still have a love for it, that will help you get out of bed and to eat well and get in the best condition.”
Scott grew up in Burley in Wharfedale near Ilkley and now lives in Alwoodley.