Meet the Cycle to MIPIM rider: Paul Jones, AHMM

We are very pleased that Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) are returning to sponsor the Reuse & Refuel stops of this year's Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM: that's basically all the food you're going to eat as you pedal your way from London to Cannes over the next seven days. We caught up with Paul Jones from AHMM to find out what he's looking forward to, what he's dreading, and his best bit of advice for new riders, honed over two previous Cycle to MIPIMs.

Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m Paul Jones and I’m an Associate at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) Architects. I’ve worked at the practice for just over 15 years on a range of masterplan, refurbishment, housing and cultural projects serving as project architect or as part of a wider team.

What is so enduring about this relay challenge that makes people come back year on year?
The friendships made on the journey. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and cycle with people from all walks of life across the construction and property industry on this event and it’s the thought of sharing a song, a joke,  grumble about the weather or a mid-ride snack with the peloton that really makes it memorable. 

What did you most enjoy about the times you have ridden previously?
Some of the stages are beautiful, some lovely climbs: the most memorable being a rare moment of solitude going up the Gorges du Verdun watching eagles ride the thermals. That was something I will never forget. That and the descent to Valance for entirely different reasons…

What are you most looking forward to this time?
The promised sunshine and tailwind all the way to Cannes. 

Anything you are dreading?
The actual weather and headwind all the way to Cannes.

Tell us a bit about your cycling background?
This will be my third Cycle to MIPIM, so I’d say I’ve got some experience (or at least enough to know better). Growing up in North Wales I did a lot more mountain biking, and it sort of fell away after university. I had a health scare in 2017 and needed a lifestyle change, ditching the tube and bus for a bike seemed like a healthy and cost-effective (HA!) way of getting exercise into my daily routine.  I only really got into road cycling after signing up for the 2019 Cycle to MIPIM (old format, fewer days, less sleep, more chaos). Since then, it’s become a big part of my fitness and has dramatically improved my mental wellbeing.

How are you approaching training?
I commute from Croydon to central London at least three days a week with hills on the way in and out which has given me a decent threshold - from there it’s been longer rides with the CP training lot and the AHMM team over the weekends. It’s all been outside in the cold and rain which is perfect for the plains of the midi central.

Any top tips for new riders?
Wear what is comfy for you, make sure your contact points (arse, feet, hands) are happy, warm enough and comfortable for a long cycle. Don’t be fooled by expensive gear, the best socks I’ve had are for snowboarding.  

What are the changes at AHMM do you expect to see over the next year?
If the past couple of years are to go by it’s best to expect the unexpected and roll with the punches. We work with great clients and consultant teams nurturing long standing, open and honest relationships which puts us in good stead. From an architectural or project specific standpoint, understanding and designing buildings that consider their embodied and operational carbon from the outset of any scheme is becoming increasingly important at early stages of design. Meaning that well informed and collaborative disciplines across the industry are more important than ever in tackling the ever-present climate emergency. AHMM’s recently published Delivering Net Zero: a guide for architects (from the team led by our very own fellow cyclist Dr Craig Robertson) looks at precisely how this can be done in a clear, concise, and informative way. 

Why is AHMM sponsoring the Refuel stops?
AHMM has a long history of supporting Club Peloton and Cycle to MIPIM. Refuel is a great way of providing much needed calories through cheese, cake, pizza, or a well-deserved beverage at the end of a long day in the saddle. It is an opportunity for us as a practice to recognise the commitment of each rider on this incredible journey, a chance to give something back to the community and industry through sponsorship and, most importantly, a cheesy photo opportunity somewhere on a roadside pit stop in France.

You can sponsor Paul here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/