Liam Killeen

Name: Liam Killeen
Date Of Birth: 12th April 1982
Hometown: Malvern, WORCS
Nationality: British
Weight: 65-67 kg
Height: 173cm
Pulse Range: 40-195
Hobbies: Playing Guitar, Cooking,
Other Sports: Skiing, Running
Favourite Music: Led Zepplin, AC/DC, Guns N Roses, Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Velvet Revolver
Favourite Food: Sushi, frozen yogurt

How long have you been racing bikes?

About 10 years- I have been racing mountain bikes since I was 14, but before that I raced schoolboy motocross. Going fast on two wheels has always appealed to me! I discovered mountain bike racing after going to watch The Malvern Classic MTB Festival in about 1994/95.

How long have you been riding with Specialized?

2007 is my third season. I’m really enjoying it and I like the company’s attitude to racing.

What is your favourite biking area?

I really enjoy riding in Colorado, places like Durango and Boulder are great. There are fantastic trails and great road riding with some of the most spectacular scenery.

What is your favourite race course and why?

Fort William, Scotland. This course has all types of terrain and it really tests your Mountain Biking ability, technique and fitness.

What does your typical day consist of?

During a typical training day I’ll get up at about 7:30am. Have breakfast, which usually consists of oatmeal and eggs with fruit and tea. I normally check my emails, surf the net, ensure that all my business is on order. It’s important to be efficient and organised when planning training racing and travel. I start riding at about 10am. My session can vary between 90minutes and 5 hours, depending on the time of year and training phase. When I get back from riding I have a recovery drink and a healthy meal because it is important to replenish depleted energy stores. If possible I try to sleep in the afternoon, for 1-2 hours. I have dinner at about 7pm and I am in bed by 11pm.

In terms of training how much do you do?

Training can amount to between anything from 10 hours per week to 25 hours per week, depending on the time of year and the periodisation of my program. I like to include 2 sessions per week of cross training, either in the gym or running.

Also, in terms of training how much training do you do on your road bike versus mountain bike?

This is pretty much 50/50, but maybe during the winter I’ll ride the road bike 80-90% of the time.

How do you determine tire pressure and shock pressure, dependent on course?

This really does depend on the course, but it’s a crucial factor in optimum performance. I can run anything between 25 and 30 PSI. When conditions are wet I will run a lower pressure and a narrower tyre, when the weather is dry I’ll usually run a higher pressure, within this range.

Shock pressure is usually between 80-100 PSI. Basically, it is an individual setting, dependent on body weight, riding style and the course. I favour a slightly higher pressure, but the pressure depends on the course. Basically, the rougher the course the lower the pressure. (Liam weighs 65-67kg).

In terms of nutrition before, during and after competition, what strategies do you adopt?

I tend to leave 3 hours between my last meal and racing. I try to keep the meals simple and eat mainly carbohydrate rich foods, such as cereal, pasta and perhaps some yogurt for easily digestible protein.

During the race I stick gels and isotonic beverages.

Afterwards I tend to take a recovery drink, perhaps washed down with champagne if I have earned it.

What does your normal week before a race consist of?

I usually travel to the race on the Wednesday or Thursday depending on if the race is on a Saturday or Sunday. It is important to arrive feeling fresh, both mentally and physically at important races, such as World Cups. I ride at least one specific session on the course before the race, but I limit the number of laps. Doing too many can be physically draining before competition.

Career Results:

2007:

6th Sea Otter XC, CA, USA
6th Sea Otter TT, CA, USA

2006:

1st Sea Otter Classic XC, CA, USA
2nd World Cup, Mt St Anne, Canada
2nd NORBA Mt Snow, Vermont, USA
2nd British National Cyclocross Championships
3rd World Cup, Curacao
10th World Championships, Rotorua, New Zealand
10th World Cup Overall

2005:

1st Marathon World Cup Canada
1st NORBA Idaho
2nd Sea Otter

2004:

U23 World Cup Series Champion
4th World Cup Fort William, Scotland
5th Olympic Games, Athens, Greece

2003:

U23 World Cup Series Champion

Other:

European Junior XC MTB Champion