This months industry personality is Mark Winters director of MP Cycles. He talks to BikeBiz about his background n the cycle industry.

IN THE SADDLE: Mark Winters, MP Cycles

What bikes do you own?
A Fausto Coppi that I built myself, a Lotus alloy frame road bike (the best alloy welding you will ever see on a bike of any kind) and now of course a Fuji Pro Carbon road bike, which is so light, it’s spooky.

Do you get much time to ride them?
Sunday mornings with a 75 year-old guy who (if I reach 75) I will be extremely glad to be half as fit as!

Where’s the best place to ride in the UK?
Anywhere where cars can be avoided.
Rivington is just five miles from my home and you won’t find nicer (or more challenging) road or MTB conditions with fantastic scenery throughout.

Tell us about your business background:
I was previously director at Townsend Cycles, I then went onto Concept Cycling and now I run my own business, MP Cycles, alongside Peter White.

Have you always been in the cycle industry?
My early years were spent in the insurance industry. I then went on to spend roughly 15 years with Courtaulds Textiles in major account and brand development.

Puncture repair or new tube?

I prefer to fit a new tube.

Tell us something we didn’t already know about yourself:

I am club captain 2008 at my local golf club.

What’s the next big thing in cycling?
Convincing the UK retailers that they need to pay more for bikes – like it or not!

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