Living a life on 2-wheels

Lake Ambassador, Harry Tanfield

Harry Tanfield has been involved within the British Cycling scene since a young age; and yet, this affable Yorkshireman, from the edge of the North Yorks Moors National Park, didn’t come from a cycling family – that’s despite his brother, Charlie also being a pro rider. No, he was simply spotted by the local cycling club, Cleveland Wheelers, when out riding, then joining the local club and the res as they say, is history.

His first bike was an old steel Raleigh with the famous seven speed suicide shifter set up. However, in Harry’s own words, his first ‘proper bike’ - by which I’m assuming he means, one which is at least slightly competitive - was a French built Vitus with 9 speed STi style shifters. Looking at the innovations and developments within the cycling scene that Harry now occupies, he’s definitely moved on, including in the kit and cycling shoes that he currently uses. More specifically, when talking to Harry about the most impactful changes he’s seen in the years he’s been riding, his first point was aerodynamics, closely followed by nutrition.

Science and cycling excellence

Harry talked about how he feels the spread of aerodynamic advantage has become far more accessible across the board; especially in the past four years. This, in Harry’s opinion, has created a more even playing field and a fairer racing scene - after all, it’s the rider’s legs that should do the talking; maybe with a little help from Lake along the way!

However, alongside wearing some of the best cycling shoes in the world, Harry also knows the value of good nutrition, which alongside the aero developments and our Lake cycling shoes, gives him the complete package. Fuel is a key aspect for cyclists at all levels, and as Harry says himself, ketones and being dialed in with equipment, when it all comes together, creates a faster rider. More people have access to it now than even 4 years ago.

CX333 – the ultimate in Comfort & Performance

In terms of his current Lake cycling shoes model, Harry is using the CX333 in Kangaroo leather; and he’s a really big fan of both the lightness and the elasticity, that wraps neatly around his feet and provides that necessary support and comfort during those long days on the bike.

One key point Harry raised in relation to his cycling shoe choices, was the issues he faced prior to being a member of the Lake cycling family. The most prominent of which was repeated heel slip; a far more common issue than a lot of people realise - especially with the slender foot of a professional cyclist. Since joining Lake, he’s taken great pride in using our moldable carbon heel system; giving him grip where he needs it and combining with the Kangaroo leather to provide the perfect balance of comfort and control when and where it counts - on the bike.

Racing into the future

As the 2025 season gets underway, Harry will be splitting his time between Ribble and the Belgium-based Hubo-Remotive cycling teams, where he’s excited to be taking on a more mentor-based role, allowing him to share his years of experience of racing in the pro peloton, with the younger riders on team Hubo. He’s also looking forward to doing more gravel bike racing, as the international gravel scene expands.Thankfully, Lake produces not only some of the best road cycling shoes in the world, but also have a great selection of gravel biking shoes, such as the Lake MX20G gravel biking shoe.

The MX20G creates a new era for adventure cycling – and not just for Harry - setting the standard in this still young sport, with an extremely lightweight, breathable and adjustable upper that is also available in 3 widths. We’ve utilized the lightness and durability properties of Clarino microfiber, alongside a micro mesh panelling and laces, to give riders a race-ready, durable and lightweight classic adventure shoe, with ultimate adjustability. This classically designed off-road shoe is the culmination of over 40 years of world-leading innovation and expertise, and is ideally suited for long days on the gravel grind.

Being such a versatile cyclist, Harry is defiantly one to watch and listen to. One thing we can all learn from Harry is cycling is better with Lake looking after your feet!