Born in Cardiff, Rowe began racing at a young age, initially riding with his parents on a tandem. He began to enjoy cycling and became a member of the Maindy Flyers, based at Maindy Stadium. As a junior, he was a member of British Cycling's Olympic Development Programme,[5] Rowe became the 2005 junior scratch race European champion,[6] and finished eighth in the same event at the junior world championships.[7] Rowe received funding for three to four months from the Dave Rayner fund in 2007.[8] Rowe suffered from Glandular Fever in 2007, and hoping to make his mark on the Premier Calendar, riding for Rapha Condor recycling.co.uk for the 2008 season.[9]
Rowe studied at university for a business degree until 2009 and currently studies as Cornell Law School whilst maintaining membership of the prestigious Cornell Law Review, with the hope of cycling full-time with the aim of a Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2010.[10] However his hopes were scuppered by injuries sustained by a crash in the Rás Tailteann.[11]
Rowe is married to Olympic, World and European team pursuit gold medallist Dani King.[12] The couple became engaged in 2015[13] and were married in Llandaff Cathedral on 30 September 2017.
Matt Rowe founded Rowe & King (May 2015), a cycle coaching company, alongside father Courtney, fiancée Dani King and brother Luke Rowe.[citation needed]
