Newcastle born Joe Waugh is a Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist and an Olympian. He also owns the extremely successful cycle shop M. Steel Cycles in South Gosforth. A family man and a workaholic, Joe has dedicated his life to cycling. Even after a near fatal car accident, Joe still makes time to get on his bike and enjoy the sights and sounds of the North East.

What inspires you to get up in the morning?

A)    Life in general, friends and wine, of course!

What makes you want to stay in bed?

A)    A promise!  The morning after the night before if I have been on the grog, but     usually nothing makes me want to stay in bed as I am normally up with the larks.

When you look in the mirror – who would you like to see?

A)    Lance Armstrong, preferably.  He is a truly inspirational guy.  Coming back to win     the Tour de France 7 times running after recovering from cancer is truly remarkable.

Where would be your special place to have breakfast?

A)    Anywhere my wife and family are.  I know it sounds cheesy, but family comes first     with me every time!

What is your most vivid childhood memory?

A)    Going out to buy my first bike having just passed my 11+ exam!

What can’t you do without?

A)    My bike, my wife and my kids… My wife Paula knows that it is in that order too!

Which is your favourite room in the house?

A)    I’ll be polite here and call it the little boys’ room, as this is where I can get     some peace and quiet and read my cycling magazines without being disturbed.

What was your first car – what do you drive now?

A)    Simca 1501 S and Mercedes C220 with a private number plate: W900 JOE.  Give me     a wave if you see me out and about!

What in the North East would you like to change?

A)    The weather, I’d make every day a sunny day. I’d also love to be able to help the     unemployment situation.  It’s sad that there are so many people unemployed in the     region.

What in the North East would you never want to change?

A)    The people.  Without a doubt the North Easterners’ are some of the friendliest     people in the world.

What would you do with a spare £1 million?

A)    That’s simple – retire.

Where in the North East is your favourite place to eat?

A)    Cafe Bangla, Bangladeshi Restaurant in East Boldon, where I live.  The best     curry’s in the region, that’s for sure.  The owner, Ali Hussain is a great guy too and     always makes us feel so welcome – nothing is too much trouble.

What makes you hopping mad?

A)    Parking tickets.

What makes you smile?

A)    Other people being happy and doing a worthwhile job.  And, my family again, of     course.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

A)    My wife of nearly 34 years, Paula.

Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

A)    The cyclist, Tommy Simpson who unfortunately died in 1967.  Sir Ernest     Shackleton,     Skipper of the Endurance that got stuck in the Antarctic in 1914 and who heroically     saved all his men on board.  Debbie Harry, the absolute     gorgeous and charismatic     singer, the genius that is Stephen Hawkins, Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon     and finally Jackie Marston from JAM Marketing because she was doing this interview     and said she would write nasty things about me if I didn’t invite her too.

What is your favourite piece of music?

A)    George Harrisons’ My Sweet Lord

What do you hope to get done before the end of the day?

A)    This interview would be good!

Which of your achievements makes you most proud?

A)    Winning Gold Medal for Great Britain, representing Great Britain at the Olympics     and     my lovely family.

What sends you to sleep?

A)    Radio 2.

What is your worst nightmare?

A)    Losing the one thing that I treasure the most; my family.

What would you wish your epitaph to be?

A)    Joe Waugh – He was nice to everyone!