Chapeau De Velo Velo ----- Goh Choon Huat
Velo Velo:
How about a short intro?
Choon Huat:
Hi friends, it's Choon Huat here, most know me as Ah Huat or Donaben. I’m a full-time cyclist and have been racing professionally for Terengganu Inc. TSG Cycling Team for the past 6 years.
Velo Velo:
How are you getting through this period?
Choon Huat:
Honestly, the whole CB has been rather boring. Prior to CB, most of my time were spent abroad racing and training, and that’s pretty much the nature of my profession. This couple of months is actually the longest stretch I’ve stayed at home in Singapore in the past 5 years. Training goes on for me, with bulk of it being switched indoors with trainer and Zwift sessions.
Velo Velo:
We recently spotted you doing 10000M elevation on Zwift in a single ride! How did you do it?! and Why?
Choon Huat:
Oh ya, the Everlasting ride. I got inspired by Mark Cavendish and the other pros. Honestly, I had no idea how hard it would be, but always wanted to give it a go. I figured this challenge would let me know where my fitness stand at this moment. It was mental, and painful to say the least, but was very fortunate to have friends who supported me virtually, and special shoutout to those who bought Zwift accounts and rode through the pain with me. It was deeply encouraging and kept me powering through the entire 11.5 hours.
Velo Velo:
Share with us what are your hobbies other than cycling? (We were told you treat your coffee seriously....)
Choon Huat:
I’ve been dipping my hands into coffee recently, come to think of that, CB did gave me plenty of time to perfect my coffee shots and latte art. But I really do enjoy the entire coffee making process every morning.
Velo Velo:
Any general advice on cycling kit or apparel?
Choon Huat:
Different brands offer various cuts and silhouettes, you should definitely try them on to feel the difference. But do go for one that you feel comfortable in, as you might be in the kit for a short to long while. Ultimately, I always go back to the lighter weight options, they do well under our humidity and heat. I would also advise using chamois cream, it does help especially for my long rides or races.
Velo Velo:
Champgranola - Your recent endeavour, tell us about it, and more importantly, how do we order?
Choon Huat:
Champgranola is a small home based venture that started off in my own kitchen. Granola has always been a staple part of my diet, having to watch my calories and what I consume carefully. Initially, I baked them mostly for my own consumption, it always fills me up for long hours, and also suppressed any urge to snack uncontrollably. Friends who tried it suggested that I should offer them for sale, and that’s how it started.
The ingredients I used are all natural and unprocessed, the sweet flavour comes from honey, instead of syrup. All these in the hope that it remains healthy for everyone and become a potential replacement for unhealthy snacks like photo chips.
Currently, it is available in 2 options, Classic ($18) and Premium ($20), both in 500 grams packages. Premium cost slightly more with the addition of macadamia and cashew nuts. I am exploring having them made into smaller bars so it can brought along for rides. Stay tuned and order via DM at @Champgranola.
Velo Velo:
Any last thing to say to our Velovelo friends/fans out there?
Choon Huat:
I hope everyone stay safe, it has been a difficult period for everyone. But let’s all do our part, and work towards battling this pandemic. Hope to see you guys on the road riding, and do say hi if you see me.