We catch up with Nick Hussey the founder of FRAHM Jacket’s and an avid mental health advocate, to explore his love of cycling and how he got involved.
The Road Book: What sparked your interest in cycling?
Nick: A skinny kid who was crap at footie, riding to escape a small mining village, then seeing Roche collapse on La Plane in ‘87 and my mind doing somersaults. THIS IS MY SPORT!
RB: Can you remember your first bike?
N: My first road bike was a red Peugeot Tourmalet in 1987. It was 61cm but my dad got it cheap. I wore lifts to reach the pedals. I’m still only a 56cm. But red bikes are still faster.
RB: What has been your cycling highlight?
N: I stood on the Champs to photograph the women’s team I sponsored in La Course in 2015. I’d dreamt of being there as a rider - not on a press pass. I cried quite a lot. The rain disguised it.
RB: Favourite cycling race to watch (on TV or in person)?
N: The descent into San Remo. Terrifying, nerve wracking. Cool as heck.
RB: Mountains, Sprint or Time Trial stages?
N: Time trials, I was a tester when I raced. I just fantasise that it’s me on telly. It isn’t.
RB: Grand tours or the classics?
N: Classics
RB: If you could cycle with anyone dead or alive who would it be?
N: Alive: Charly Mottet. Dead: Laurent Fignon.
I’ve met all my childhood heroes like Roche, Kelly, Millar & LeMond. Mottet & Fignon were the coolest. Gods, to a teenage me.
RB: Where’s been your most memorable (or favourite) place to cycle?
N: Nightmarishly hard question. Probably Norway. I love forests, lakes & rain. You get lots of those.
RB: Team, Club, or solo rides?
N: Solo. I ride to escape myself and the weights of the world. It’s my balm. No computers, no notifications. Just the rhythm.
RB: Post-ride drink?
N: Huge mug of hot tea.
Follow Nick's adventures on his Instagram.
1 comment
A great Q and A. Fignon was my hero too.