Graduating from university is a proud moment for any student, with three years of hard work accumulating in a degree. Given the struggles experienced by all in recent years, this felt even sweeter for the Class of 2022. Earning a degree is no mean feat, requiring hard work, dedication, and resilience, especially throughout the last few years. Despite this, not many would be able to claim they have completed their studies while also training and competing professionally. But Finn Crockett has, with 2022 marking both his graduation, and his first victory in elite cycling.
Despite this, the 22-year old remains humble. He believes that ‘lots of people call themselves professional,’ but does not think he has yet ‘crossed that line.’ Whether he considers himself to be a professional cyclist or not, the Scotsman is certainly on the right track to be. Crockett signed for Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling in late 2021, which are a UCI Continental team. Although considered to be at the lowest level of professional cycling, these teams offer the perfect springboard for ambitious young riders.
Where it all began
Although now a road cyclist, it was actually mountain biking that Crockett started with. He told me that Strathpeffer, the village in the Highlands where he grew up, was ‘notorious for mountain biking.’ It plays host to the Strathpuffer 24, a 24-hour mountain biking event which Crockett said ‘interested him greatly,’ leading him to take up the sport when he was around ’12 or 13.’ He continued cycling throughout his teenage years, joining Square Wheels cycling club as his interest grew, before moving to Ben Wyvis. Crockett admits that he pursued the sport more ‘out of enjoyment than to race.’
Crockett turned his attention to road racing when he was competing in the under-18 category. He highlighted the importance of the ‘grassroot focus in the North of Scotland’ in his development, stating that ‘countless teams’ played a role in his progression. The next step up was racing for a ‘Scottish team called Spokes,’ which ‘focuses on helping Scottish talent race in Europe, and competing in the national junior series.’ Working with the team inspired a change of discipline to road racing, with the cyclist ‘continually working his way up since.’ He believes his ‘hard work and dedication’ led to ‘steady progress,’ with his Ribble Weldtite contract the next step on his journey.
Balancing cycling and university
For the last four years, Crockett has been working towards his cycling aspirations whilst also studying at the University of Stirling for a degree in French and Marketing. He admits that ‘combining cycling with uni, it has been a busy few years reflecting back.’ Crockett added that it certainly was’ tough at times,’ with ‘time management’ absolutely key. This was especially difficult to maintain as a student, with Crockett mentioning the ‘spontaneity’ of uni, as well as ‘mates who loved going for a drink.’
Attending university was always an aspiration for the man from Strathpeffer. ‘It always interested me, as it offered so much more than a degree.’ Crockett believed it was a great chance to ‘grow up massively whilst experiencing living away from home.’ However, lurking in the back of his mind was the question of whether he would be able to ‘achieve his sporting aspirations.’ He knew ‘it was not going to be easy,’ but Crockett ‘chose Stirling for a reason.’
There was a ‘lot of sacrifice’ involved, but Crockett was still able to ‘enjoy university and what came with it.’ The level of support provided by the University of Stirling seemingly played an essential role in this. Crockett told me they ‘supported me both with sport and academically; they allowed extensions on my deadlines when I was away training racing, for example.’ He went onto say that he ‘definitely would have struggled without it,’ but believes at some universities assistance for those in a similar situation to his ‘can be forgotten.’
2022
2022 has definitely been the year in which Crockett has announced himself on the world stage. ‘I’ve had a great start to the year,’ Crockett admits. ‘Winning the Rutland cyclo-classic was amazing,’ especially as it is the ‘highest level of race you can compete in.’ He also mentioned being selected to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Games. ‘It was definitely a lifetime ambition, to represent Scotland,’ Crockett told me, adding that he had to go through a ‘tough process’ to earn his place.
‘Representing Scotland is amazing, especially since it is small, but proud as a nation. This definitely fulfils a childhood dream.’ He did admit that cycling at the Commonwealth Games has a very different atompshere when compared to other sports at the Games, but he was not going to let this get in the way. ‘Personally it is huge, especially as we do not get to represent Scotland often.’ After speaking to other athletes, Crockett was going to make sure he soaked up the atomsphere in Birmingham, and make the most of the opportunity.
Speaking before the Games, the Scottish cyclist told me he hoped to be in ‘tip top form’ for the road race. Teamwork is a key attribute for any cyclist, and Crockett certainly demonstrated this when he told me that he will ‘do all I can to help the Scottish boys get a medal.’ It was clear that he was willing to sacrifice his race to enhance the chances of his teammates.
On the podium
One thing that was immediately noticable about Crockett was his clear love and passion for cycling. Our interview took place just minutes after a particularly entertaining finish to a Tour de France stage, with the cyclist eager to describe the action he had just seen. Just weeks later, on the start line in Warwick, Crockett was racing against some of those who were competing in the Tour, such as Geriant Thomas, Luke Rowe, and Connor Swift.
It was clear that the Scotsman was not going to let the occasion get to him, despite ‘lots of friends and family’ travelling to support him. Crockett was going to treat it as any other race, and give himself the opportunity to ‘earn a good result.’ This tactic certainly paid off, with Crockett involved in the decisive breakaway of almost 30 riders. He kept himself in contention, and in the sprint to the end, earned a bronze medal for Scotland.
What’s next for Crockett
The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, and university graduate, was extremely excited about the period following Birmingham 2022. ‘It’s a really busy time for racing, with some big ones thrown into the mix, such as the Tour of Britain.’ Crockett will continue to train with ‘cycling at the forefront of his mind,’ but ‘does not want to put all his eggs in one basket.’ He will balance part-time work with cycling for the foreseeable future. This might not be for long though, with Crockett admitting ‘some good results towards the end of the year could see me take the step up to being a true professional.’ A Commonwealth bronze certainly won’t hurt those chances.
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