When I was growing up, the whole family used to go away on cycling holidays.

We had tandems, so I'd cycle along behind my mum while my brother Craig would go with my dad.

No wonder I ended up getting into cycling big time!

I started racing seriously when I was about 11 years old.

I remember my first big race was the Welsh Under-12 Cycle Cross Championships.

I won it outright, even beating all the boys!

Nicole took part in a mini version of the Tour de France

The following summer I took part in a mini Tour de France event in Holland.

It was just like the real thing with roads closed off and motorbike outriders. They even had coloured jerseys.

I was completely blown away!

That's when I knew for sure cycling was something I wanted to take further.

There was no looking back after that.

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