Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn?t it" If I could go back and do things differently with what I know now, I would. And if I could, I might stand a slightly better chance of realising my dream of being a motorcycling world champion. Because I made plenty of mistakes, too many bad decisions and spent most of my racing career concentrating on the wrong things. So I thought I?d put together some words of advice that, if I could, I?d impart to a 10 year old me, or to anyone who wants to become a world champion bike racer.

Don?t be shy

You don?t get anything for being shy. When you?re trying to make a name for yourself in any sport, you need to make yourself known, whether you?re good at the sport or not. And bike racing is no exception. I spent too long keeping myself to myself, and it?s not helpful. It doesn?t matter how good you are, you?re not going to get offered that ride if the team boss has never heard of you. And you?re not going to get offered that sponsorship deal unless you go out there and ask for it.
Of course it helps if you can back up your personality with a few wins. But don?t underestimate how important it is to let people know that you have a personality.

Social media IS important

And these days, that?s one thing social media is good for. When I was growing up, racing bikes, I couldn?t really be arsed with social media. I thought it was just for posers and couldn?t see the importance of it (other than to keep in touch with mates and ...