10 Questions with Irishman Philip Deignan
Philip Deignan represents one of the six new faces joining Team RadioShack this January. Deignan joins the team from Cervelo TestTeam. The 27-year-old Irishman is a strong stage racer, whose resume includes a 2009 Vuelta a España stage win and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Get to know one of the latest Team RadioShack riders as he answers fan questions here.
You've ridden in some of the most infamous races in cycling. Which race has been your favorite?
They are all pretty special in their own ways but Liège–Bastogne–Liège sticks out because it’s such a demanding but beautiful race.
What is your favorite place to ride?
Here in my home region of Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland. Usually it is raining, though there is some stunning scenery.
If you could be anything besides a professional cyclist, what would you be and why?
I started a degree course in Quantity Surveying in 2003 before I gave into a offer to ride for a amateur team in Marseille. So I probably would have ended up doing that. I don’t think it would have been my dream job though!
What's on your iPod? What music do you listen to while training?
It’s pretty varied and depends on what kind of mood I’m in. I like Kasabian, U2, Oasis, The Verve and Manic Street Preachers.
Do you have a hidden talent?
Nothing I can make public anyways…
When did you first learn to ride a bike? Tell us about your first race.
I was about five or six when I learned. I started making ramps in the back garden. My first race was in 1998. I was 14 and it was actually started as a charity ride for cancer research then turned into a full-on, competitive race. I think I ended up 5th or 6th.
What is your favorite item in your feedbag during a race?
Belgian waffle with Nutella.
What other sports do you play? What other sports do you watch?
I used to play a lot of football or soccer as most Americans call it, as well as cross country running and boxing. I follow the English Premiership Moto GP and a bit of boxing and rallying.
What advice would you give young riders who aspire to join a Pro Tour team someday?
Get a good coach. Pick out your goals and prepare yourself for some setbacks and hard knocks along the way.
Where do you like to live or vacation in the off-season? And why?
I’m a bit of a “home bird” so in the off season I enjoy getting home to Donegal, away from the cycling world and just relaxing with friends and family.
Bonus Question...
What makes you most excited about joining Team RadioShack?
There is always a certain amount of excitement when you change teams because everything is new…new teammates, new bikes, etc. But the fact that Lance Armstrong is going to be one of my teammates next year is probably the single biggest thing.
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