Interview with Jaydé Julius
Jaydé Julius is our latest Nic Harry Cycling Sock Ambassador, and judging by his passion for cycling and our socks, he's a perfect fit! Read on to find out more about Jaydé's style and what he likes to get up to on and off the bike.
Nic Harry (NH): Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do?
Jaydé Julius (JJ): My name is Jaydé Julius and I'm a professional full time cycling athlete.
Born and raised in Cape Town, I'm considered half Belgian as I lived overseas for 6 years since I was 13 years old. I enjoyed racing abroad in Europe while finishing my school years over there.
I speak three languages- English, Flemish and a bit of French and Italian.
I love to travel and meet new people and find new exciting things to do. Life's for the living!
NH: How would you describe your style?
JJ: I love my style. My racing look is sharp and ready to win at all times, while my own unique and sophisticated style is a hip dress code. Nic Harry plays a big role in my style on and off the bike.
https://twitter.com/JaydeJulius/status/806549324075253760
NH: When you’re not on the bike, what do you get up to?
JJ: I like having fun, doing things that makes me feel "alive", like racing fast cars on Killarney Racetrack in my spare time. I enjoy chilling with friends on the beach catching the rays. Rollerblading is my second favourite hobby, another way to jet off on wheels.
NH: How did you get into cycling?
JJ: I'm very fortunate to say my dad introduced me to the world of cycling. He raced semi-professionally in SA so I grew up seeing him race. When I was 13 years I started really racing and entering big competitions, so people realised I was a major talent in the country and abroad. My life changed when I moved over to Europe, I learnt about and understood the real life I'm living as a professional cycling athlete while living with a Belgian host family and my parents were living in Cape Town.
It was very different but also the best years of my life as a kid and I still love my sport as much as I did the first day, when my dad gave me my very first racing bike.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNo-axVgqwe/?taken-by=juliusjayde27&hl=en
NH: Where’s your favourite place to ride?
JJ: Definitely during Cape Town summers and travelling into the Swiss Mountains. I'd say Belgium for its racing culture and Italy for both that and style!
NH: Do you compete in a lot of races?
JJ: Yes I do, I race both locally and internationally abroad.
This year, after very narrowly coming second in the Cape Town Cycle Tour 2016, my goals are set to win stages at the Tour De France one day. That would be the dream, to be in Nic Harry socks and winning in France!
NH: How important is what you wear when you’re on the bike?
JJ: My dress code rules on the bike:
Always look ready to win even if it's just training. It makes me feel good if I'm wearing something extra special like socks! I think I live life fully and full of ambition so I have to enjoy the simple things that can spice things up everyday.
NH: What is your favourite item of clothing?
JJ: Socks and underwear
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNuU-KqA1wD/?taken-by=juliusjayde27&hl=en
NH: What is the oldest item of clothing you own?
JJ: I would say underwear, socks and shoes since I've had the the same waist line and shoe size since 16 years old.
NH: Who is your favourite fashion designer?
JJ: I have a family member by the name of Errol Arendse "Arendz", he's my uncle and he's the family fashion designer.
But my favourite and where I find my sensational dress code would be Ralph Lauren.
NH: How often do you wear a tie?
JJ: Not often because at home I mostly wear things like Adidas track pants and a T-shirt, but I'll wear a tie for events like the SA sports awards or any award ceremonies. In town in the evening with friends I'll usually be wearing a Carducci bow tie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BN12RsJg9wj/?taken-by=juliusjayde27
NH: What is your favourite accessory? (wrist band, watch, pocket square, tie, etc etc)
JJ: I love accessories! Most importantly a watch, bow tie and wrist bands.
NH: How often do you shop for clothing?
JJ: My weakness! Happens to me every time I step foot in a shopping mall or whenever something strikes my attention.
NH: What is your least favourite thing to wear?
JJ: Baggie clothing
NH: Where do you find style inspiration?
JJ: To be honest I like my own style. Especially my racing fit style and lifestyle. CR7 [Christiano Ronaldo] and Daniel Craig's style do it for me as well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNuSgINgA-n/?taken-by=juliusjayde27&hl=en