Glenn Kinning will line out at next month's National Cyclocross Champs "racing to win" against the dominant Roger Aiken and Robin Seymour (Photo: Toby Watson)
Glenn Kinning says he has “absolutely nothing to lose” as he chases what would be a first National Elite Cyclocross title next month.
The Belfast man took the bronze medal last year but believes he can beat the two men who have dominated this discipline for over two decades; Robin Seymour (Expert Cycles) and defending champion Roger Aiken, who has just joined Team ASEA from Banbridge CC.
The former has won a staggering 18 titles, the latter four.
But Kinning believes his time is nigh.
He blitzed the field to win the Ulster title the weekend before last and he is keen to add the elite national title to the junior and U23 crowns he has won in the past.
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Kinning will need to be on his toes to add an elite cyclocross crown to his junior and U23 titles, but it is not impossible (Photo: Toby Watson)
“This would be the biggest thing for me,” said Kinning.
“I can’t even remember who I beat for the junior and U23 titles and where they were on, they were that long ago.
"I had a wee bit of pressure on me last year and I got as high up the placings as I could.
"Last year Aiken and Seymour were incredible and sometimes you have to accept what you’re capable of and just deal with it.
"I was happy with the bronze. And if Robin beats me again, it’s okay. But I’ll be racing for first.”
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Kinning in action in the green of Ireland at the recent UCI World Cup in the UK.
Kinning knows he’s in good form and it’s about maintaining that now.
However, keeping on top of his form is not easy with his own Kinning Cycles shop to run and two young children; Bradley aged 3 years and 1-year-old Cathy.
“It’s about not making mistakes now, training hard, recovering well and staying fresh.
"I try to do at least two hours every day but it just depends on the weather.
"If I don’t get the training done on the Monday I make up for it on the Tuesday and at the moment I’m doing up to 15 hours a week.
Kinning is also a very strong MTB and road rider, having ridden for East Antrim Audi in the past before racing under his own Kinning Cycles livery (Photo: Toby Watson)
“Ten guys or more can contest (for medals) at the nationals," he said on the challenge that awaits.
"It’s the same as last year; there’s Robin and Roger and maybe a good six or seven after that.
"To win you just can’t make any mistakes, get out clean and see who’s there.
"I’ll give it 100 per cent. I’ve nothing to lose. If I don’t win it’s not the end of the world.”
The championships take place in Swords, north Dublin, on Sunday, January 11th.
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