LG) How did you become involved in cycling?
LH)  I got involved in cycling through my mum. I started out by following her around to races and caught the bug  for it myself at age 9 and it just kept becoming a bigger and bigger part of my life.

 Best win/ or most satisfying performance so far? 
 I would have to say my performance overall this year at the world championships was by far my  most  satisfying, but the Omnium event would have to be the single best win for me.

 How many kms’ would you train a week on  average? 
 On average I would train around 700-800km a week.

 Favourite training ride or region? 
 My favorite training ride would be along the Great Ocean Road during summer.

Leigh Howard with Dave Sanders and his Jayco/VIS teammates in Mildura for the final stage of the 2008 Tour of the Murray River.

 Biggest influence on your career? 
 My coaches Scott Mcgrory and Dave Sanders.

  Other sporting interests? 
  Nothing serious, occasionally a bit of golf or Go-Karting.

 Hardest hill climb (training / race)? 
 The “Niggeria” which is a climb in Italy, 12km long and average of 10-11%.

Leigh Howard can look ahead to a contract with Columbia HTC in Europe in 2010.

 Favourite drink? 
 Italian Coffee.

 Three people you would like to go on a training ride with?  
  Oscar Friere, Will Smith and Casey Stoner.

 Best place visited through cycling? 
 Evian (Switzerland).

Howard is at home on the track as well as the road: The 2008 Bendigo Madison with Glen O'Shea.

 Favourite band / music? 
  The script.

 Brand of bike you currently race on?  
 Bianchi.

 What’s the best thing about cycling / racing? 
  Winning!

 Advice you would give a junior or cyclist wishing to break into the sport? 
  Always make sure you enjoy yourself and have fun.

  Team / sponsor? 
  Currently Team Jayco AIS. Next year Columbia HTC.
    
  Currently live? 
  Geelong and Varese.
    
  When were you born?
  18/10/1989.
   
   Where were you born? 
   Geelong.

   Leigh Howard thanks for spending some time off the saddle on The Licorice Gallery.