Rider Bio: Liam Hallam, Sam Cycling Race Team

Name: Liam Hallam

Liam in cyclo cross action

2012 Bike: At present a Giant TCR for road racing with Dura-ace although hoping to pick myself up a new bike for next season- potentially a Planet X RT-57 with full Sram Red Gruppo. 

First road bike? It wasn’t until I got myself a part time job at the age of 16 when I could save up and buy myself a proper road bike. My first road bike was an all white Peugeot with Columbus Aelle tubing equipped with Campagnolo Mirage- a stark contrast to my carbon bike of today!

And dream Bike? An  MCipollini RB1000 with full Campagnolo Super Record

What got you into cycling: I grew up watching the Tour De France on Channel 4 and loved watching the sprint finishes of Super Mario Cipollini and Djamolidine Abdoujaparov. I also loved to watch the likes of Marco Pantani and Lance Armstrong exert their dominance in the mountains 

Hopes for 2012 and beyond: My main aim for 2012 cycling wise is to obtain my 2nd Cat License. In achieving that I would like to get my first win on the bike. I've had a couple of second places previously although am still chasing that elusive win. Personally 2012 is hopefully going to be the year that I get myself on to the property ladder and purchase my first home.

Interests outside the sport: I love food and in particular eating out. I'll take any opportunity to visit a new restaurant. I particularly love Italian and Indian food. I also enjoy travelling. So far for 2012 I have plans on visiting Andorra (skiing), Berlin, German and Dublin, Ireland- and that's before the summer!

Indulging a love for travel. Djemma El Fna, Marrakech, Morocco 

Heroes: Mario Cipollini- style, an amazing sprinter and an immense personality.

Lance Armstrong- An inspiration to many for overcoming cancer and going on to becoming the most successful Tour De France rider in the events history.

Favourite ride/ place to ride. I love to head out west from Nottingham out towards Crich, Belper and into the Peak District. I'm not a climber by build but particularly enjoy the many climbs that the Peak District has to offer- particularly the area's around Bakewell and Hathersage.