Tom Davison is a full-time New Zealand professional triathlete and chasing his dream to compete as an Olympian.
In 2012 whilst training with Nicky Samuels in the Pyrenees, he suffered a near-fatal spider bite that left him bed-ridden in a German hospital for eight days, followed by a further eight weeks on his back recuperating in his hometown, Christchurch.
Tom almost threw in the triathlon towel, and attended job interviews in finance and accounting before his dad, and Scotty Brown his manager, motivated him back into the sport.
Good thing they did – Tom is representing New Zealand at this year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games. He also has his eye on qualifying for the Rio Games, but considers 2020 Tokyo as his potential performance peak.
Get the latest on the NZ Commonwealth Games team here
I grew up in…
Christchurch, New Zealand.
I am reading…
Cycling mags and currently Bradley Wiggins’ book.
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People tell me I am…
Outgoing, crazy - based on the training schedule I have. It’s pretty relentless but to me seems relatively normal.
My life is linked to the cycling world because…
I am a full time professional triathlete. I am based mainly in America racing the circuit there in both 5150 and Half Ironman series.
My favourite cycling story to tell around the dinner table is…
I was training in Boulder, Colorado. I was doing a long ride and got carried away trying to get to the highest point in North America. I ended up on top of a 4000m peak with elk and some massive stags hanging around, and a bit of altitude sickness too.
A typical working day for me involves…
I am normally up at 5am to hit the pool for 5.30 squad. I then head home for a good brekkie and multiple coffees. Then out the door for long ride. Off the bike it’s lunch and then time to put the feet up for a few hours’ sleep. I normally finish my days off with a run as I think training with tired legs on the run helps adaption for racing off the bike.
When I get spare time, I like to…
Relax. We have a place on a lake so I spend a lot of time down there water-skiing or just chilling. I am starting to get into golf a bit more, too.
Over time, my list of injuries now includes…
Full knee reconstruction, three broken wrists, a broken thumb, a stress fracture in ankle, broken ribs and some serious road rash.
If I could ride anywhere tomorrow, I'd go to…
The French Alps. Starting around Grenoble and heading up the valley towards Gap. I’d maybe head up Alp D'Huez as its one of my favourite spots.
If I could go out for a ride with anyone, it would be…
My good mate and main training partner from home, Dylan Mcniece. We spin so many yarns and there is never a dull moment out riding.
