Meet the riders: Mark Sutton, Knight Frank

Mark Sutton, from headline sponsor Knight Frank, is returning to Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM having ridden in 2023, which means he has some wise words for those who have never ridden it before.

• Tell us about yourself and what you’re working on right now:

I head up our Office Agency in Knight Frank’s Cardiff office working with occupiers, developers, and landlords on office projects across South Wales. It’s a very diverse job day to day – new projects and refurbishments, marketing, and new lettings, as well as advising occupier clients on existing space and options for the future. No two days are the same!

• How did you get involved in Cycle to MIPIM?

Through Knight Frank’s sponsorship of the event. When I first heard about it, it sounded like something unachievable... but it's an experience that I can't recommend highly enough to anyone who is thinking about taking part.

• How long have you been cycling and how did you get into it?

I got back into cycling about 15 years ago when I dabbled with triathlons. Since then, it has become the focus of my sport / training / social rides, although swimming is back in play and fighting for time.

• What have you most enjoyed about riding previous Cycle to MIPIMs?

Its everything that’s good about cycling and why I like it – it’s a challenge and you can really push yourself, meeting a great bunch of diverse but like-minded people (it’s a team game not a race). And of course, superb organisation from Club Peloton: for me, when I hit that first closed roundabout behind the motorbikes, I was in my own Tour de France!

• What are you most looking forward to?

The challenge and focus for training – you need to put in the hours and I am hoping that being a second timer, I will be better prepared. The mileage puts a real focus on training time and if you need to you find the time!

• What are you dreading?

The cold – it was more than chilly in 2023 and I have never shivered so much on the bike... I now have a wardrobe full of cycling gloves and merino layers but also hoping for some spring sunshine as we head south.

• How are you approaching training?

I train whenever I can with a busy job and two young swimmers in the family. As a result, there is a lot of static bike work in my training schedule with a sacred Sunday morning outdoor training window.

• Any top tips for new riders?

Speak to people who have done this ride before (some are serial C2M’ers), everyone is very supportive and there are no silly questions. Invest in some good gloves and booties. Get training – it’s a lot of hours in the saddle!

• What would you most like to get out of the event?

Focus, fitness and seeing some old friends, as well as making some new cycling buddies.

• What does the fundraising mean to you?

Pushing myself physically means that I feel like I am really earning those donations for very worthwhile charities, and being part of an event that will make a difference to those that need our help.

• What changes does your business expect to see over the next year?

Its been a challenging few years in the office sector but our market is tightening up rapidly. Occupiers are committing to their future occupational needs and that generally means better space to hit corporate targets, retain and attract staff, and creating office space fit for the future. Competition and reducing availability will shape our 2025.

You can sponsor Mark here.