A former junior cross-country mountain bike world champion, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Trent Lowe may have pursued a career racing bikes on the dirt. Not so for the talented young Aussie from Melbourne. A break through year in 2005, whilst racing for US domestic team Jittery Joe’s, caught the attention of Discovery Channel sports director Johan Bruyneel. Known for his climbing ability Lowe now dishes out the punishment in the argyle colours of Garmin-Slipstream. Are you sitting comfortably? Then we shall begin…

You can ride with anyone from past or present, who would it be?
My Dad.

You’re having a bad day on the bike what is the morale boosting item in the mussette bag?
Some hot tea when it’s really cold and wet, or those nougat bars.

What's the race you should have won - near misses or just dreaming?
Tour of Georgia 2008, 4 seconds from the overall.

Everyone likes going downhill fast - what's your favourite descent?
Col de Porte on the last stage of Paris-Nice, it’s like a Moto GP course.

What’s the best bike you've ever ridden?
My old Yeti 575 mountain bike.

Do you have a golden moment when riding that you always look back on with a smile?
Racing the Tour of Switzerland.

And the worst moment?
Almost KO-ing myself on a traffic pole whilst on track to get the leaders jersey in Paris-Nice last year.

What is your favourite après race beverage?
Rarely do I do it but a crisp lager.

You hit shuffle on your I-Pod, what’s the track you hope comes up top of the list?
Hopefully a track from London Calling.

What’s your take on the UCI bike weight limit of 6.8kg? Good for the sport or got to go?
Mine’s under anyway so whatever!

What’s your favourite new product?
My Bose i-Pod speakers.

If you weren’t a bike rider, what would you be?
A rally car driver if I could.

Where is your favourite place to ride?
Colorado or the Yarra Rangers NP in Victoria.

If you could have one super power what would it be?
The power of hindsight ahead of time. Does that even make sense?

And finally, the debate continues…Shimano or Campag?
New Electronic Shimano is amazing. I haven't ridden Campag for quite some years.

Respect for taking time out for the 15:1 Trent and good luck in 2010!