Rider Q&A: Nikalas Cook
Posted By Gravel Union
On the 22th October 2019
British rider Nikalas Cook is not long back from winning the inaugural version of the Rainmaker Rollercoaster event in South Africa. We thought we’d chat to him about his view on everything gravel, where to find the best mid-ride snacks and his unfinished business with the 3Peaks Challenge CX race.
Rider:
Nikalas Cook
Location:
Peak District, UK
Gravel bike:
Ribble CGR SL
Last event ridden:
Rainmaker RollerCoaster
Favourite Gravel Ride:
Any of my local Peak District loops but, if it’s been dry and I’ve got a full day, the South Peak Loop is a fantastic ride. https://www.strava.com/activities/1599505466
What is your must do event?
I’ve just got back from riding the Rainmaker RollerCoaster in South Africa and it was the most unbelievable gravel adventure. However, if you want to really test bike and body, there’s nothing like the 3 Peaks Cyclocross. I’ve ridden it three times and have never quite got it right. The last time was back in 2008, riding with cantilever brakes, 34/28 bottom gear and rock-hard Schwalbe LandCruiser tyres with tubes - I toy every year with having another crack with a modern set-up.
650 or 700c?
Both but, for the riding I do, I probably predominately ride 700c.
Mechanical or Electronic Gears?
Mechanical but I’m sure, like on the road, if I try electronic on gravel I’ll be seduced.
Favourite mid ride snack?
Flapjack at the Whaley Bridge Bakehouse.
What do you see as the future of gravel riding?
The future looks bright and gravel riding has definitely developed into practically a mainstream cycling discipline. There will be more events - maybe a National Champs, more way-marked routes and a rapid evolution of the bikes as all of the big brands are now invested in it. Undoubtably niches will form under the gravel umbrella but I hope that gravel remains a broad and inclusive church, without the rules and tribalism that plague other forms of cycling.