Vitus Bikes welcome James Walker

Expanding our athlete portfolio for 2015, we’re delighted to welcome James Walker to the Vitus Bikes Factory Racing Team. James is no stranger to competitive racing having competed in cycling and motorcycling since a young age. Having had a breakthrough season in 2013, James has gone on to take some fantastic results throughout 2014 including 1st place at the Human Race Trailman Duathlon and XTERRA Malaysia in the AG 25-29 category.

Stepping up to the PRO category for 2015 James also hopes to compete in some select Ironman 70.3 and Adventure races. We catch up with James for a quickfire question round

Name: James Walker

Age: 27 Discipline: Multi-sport Athlete. Road/ Off-road Triathlete.

Hometown: Keswick, Cumbria. Currently based in Manchester.

Sponsors: Vitus Bikes, KurioPro, Wolfstooth Components, Suunto, Salomon, SAM Race Wear, Bonk Triathlon, Huub Design

How long you have been with Vitus Bikes: Since January 2015

Favorite place to ride: Whinlatter Trail Centre and most places in the Lake District.

Fun fact: I can a good Donald Duck impression!

How Vitus contributes to your success? Vitus contributes to my success by supplying me with a Vitus Rapide 29er and their experience in producing high quality mountain bikes, ensures that I get the best machine to race on . The support network of Vitus ensures that I can concentrate on my training without worrying about the bike. It is also great to be working with a UK company that is passionate about supporting UK athletes.

How you got started out competing? I originally started as a youngester in competing fell running and motorcycle trials.As i got into my teens this evolved into training more on the mountain bike to help the motorcycling. After University in 2011 I took up Duathlons and then switched to Off road triathlon in 2012. I have been competing in Xterra Triathlons for the last 4 years.

First experience with a bike: At the young age of 4 on green Raleigh.

Who do you look up to? Has to be Joss Naylor and Conrad Stoltz.

Other activities(off the bike): I enjoy running and swimming when not on the bike. I also compete at motorcycle trials when I have a free weekend.

Beverage of Choice: A nice Erdigner Beer at the end of the race.

Place you have always wanted to ride: I would to ride Mega Avalanche. Also in the Rockies.

Instagram : jwalkertri

Facebook Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/JamesWalkerTri

Twitter: @James_WalkerTri