Name: Leigh Parsons
Lives: Hampton, Victoria
Club: Southern Masters CC
Years Riding: Started riding as a junior, retired at 22, came out of retirement at 38

Your Toy: Specialized S-Works Venge

Component group: Shimano Durace Di2 – because I wanted to try Di2

What training / racing wheels do you use:
Training wheels: Zipp 404 clinchers
Racing: Zipp 808/404 tubulars

How did you end up with this bike: The CharterMason Masters Racing team made a group decision on which bike we wanted to ride. The Venge was the most popular choice. We were looking for a bike that was a great looking race oriented bike that also presented good value for money.

How’s the ride:  Very race focused. Stiff as hell, fast and lively to ride. Probably not the most comfortable bike on the market, but it is an excellent bike race oriented bike. Awesome in criteriums, road races and for an aero frame, it climbs well too.

Is there an upgrade or piece of kit that you’d really like:  The Maclaren Venge would be nice.

Have you ever had a bike fitting:  Hampton Bicycles did a full bike fit as part of the purchase process.

What are your:
a) short-term cycling aspirations: To enjoy cycling in general. We are training for a team time trial event right now, which should be fun.
b) long-term cycling aspirations: To enjoy cycling in general. To compete well with my team and possibly share in some success at the masters level.

What do you love about riding: Cycling gives me a means to maintain a nice balance between work, home and sporting endeavors.

Describe an average cycling week: Combination of shorter faster group and team rides, one or two longer slower rides and the odd race on the weekend as well.

How does cycling fit in with your work/life balance: It plays a key role. It brings a great balance to my life, allowing me to keep fit and healthy whilst not impinging too much on my work or home life. We all lead stressful lives and I find cycling, particularly the competitive aspect of it a great release!

Does cycling frequently offer you business networking opportunities: Yes. CharterMason as a business is using cycling as a means to generate business connections. It is nice to be able to meet and discuss what we do in an informal manner with fellow cyclists.