Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers "75 in 6" Reliability Trial, 8th January

Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers winter Reliability trial series continues this Sunday (8th) with the 75 mile event . Sign on and ride between 08:30 -09:00, 08:30 starters are allowed 6 hours to complete the course, those departing at 09:00 must get round in 5hrs 30. Regarded as the hardest of the four trials, the anti-clockwise route heads north to Rockbourne, then gradually climbs up to Shaftesbury, drops down to Marnhulll & Sturminster Newton before the testing climb of Okeford hill and the return to Merley via Langton Long and the Cowgrove.
Start and finish is at Merley Community Centre (BH21 1XE), Harrier Drive, off Oakley Straight, Merley, parking, toilet facilities and light refreshments are available. Non members welcome, Members (First and Second Claim) £1 per Reliability Trial, other riders are required to become Associate Members of the Club and will pay £5 for all four Reliability Trials and all BJW Club Runs for a year. You can join on the day.
Under 18s should be accompanied by an adult please. Route sheets available on the day and can also be viewed on the club WEBSITE
The final reliability trial, the "100 in 8" takes place on Sunday 5th February. Riders who complete all 4 trials inside the time limit receive a BJW Medal.

VC ST Raphael Kick off South DC Time Trial Season

The TT Season in the South Starts when ......!!??

Sunday 19th February 2017 at 09:30 18.1miles (Pain on Portsdown hill)
(Promoted for and on behalf of Cycling Time Trials under their Rules and Regulations)

VC St Raphael Waite contracts will be again kicking off the 2017 South DC season.
Event organiser Simon Berogna says..
Why enter my event . .... Well

• New course record
• Road and Time Trial Category
• Gran Premio Della Montagna Prize at 4.5 miles or KOM for Strava fans .
• Part of the South DC Sporting Series
• Test yourself against some of the best riders on the circuit
• Good prizes
• Well Marshalled
• .......... And last of all see if winter training has paid off

Course Description:

START at Mellish Bottom at Farm shop in layby on B2177.
Proceed East to Staple crossroads.
Continue on to Southwick rbt, carry straight on B2177 up Southwick Hill towards Portsmouth to turn at roundabout junction with James Callaghan Drive (GR 648066) (Portsdown Roundabout) 4.633 miles. Retrace to Southwick rbt taking the 2nd exit and Proceed on B2177 to Staple Cross road, then left to South Boarhunt across small bridge bear right on the bend to climb through South Boarhunt then turn left into Swivelton Lane (10 miles) continue on to junction with Portsdown Hill road turn left continue along Portsdown Hill road to main roundabout (Portsdown Roundabout). Take 1st exit onto B2177 to descend Portsdown Hill to Southwick Roundabout , Take the 2nd exit and proceed on the B2177 (15.00 miles ) towards Wickham passing through the start where the FINISH at Holts Mead in line with TP134 0.375 miles west of start (18.1)

Entries online HERE

For further information contact s_berogna@hotmail.com

Last years winner, Chris McNamara (Nuun Sigma Sport) got his season off to a winning start, setting a course record in the Southborough & Dist Whs 10 on New Years Day.In wet conditions, McNamara clocked 21:16 beating the old mark of 21:28 set in 2013 on the Q10/10 course at Bethersden.
Brief Result Southborough & District Wheelers New Years Day 10

1 Chris McNamara (Nuun Sigma Sport RT) 21.16

2 Simon McNamara (South Downs Bikes) 21.40

3 Mike Piper (Abellio-SFA Racing Team) 22.11

4 Keith Lea (Paceline RT) 22.40

5 Nick Wilson (Rye and Dist Wh) 22.47

6 Dan Martin (Univ of Bath CC) 22.58

7 Mark Newton (Elite Cycling) 23.30

=8 Tom Rowing (Abellio-SFA Racing Team) 23.35

=8 Paul Morton (PMR at Toachim House) 23.35

=10 John Cockrill (Abellio-SFA Racing Team) 23.45

=10 Callum Clark (In Gear-Quickvit Trainsharp RT) 23.45

Webber Predicts Memorable Debut Season for BIKE Channel Canyon

Webber riding the New Forest Boxing Day 10, His final outing in PedalHeaven Colours.
The 21-year-old, from Andover, has signed for Britain’s newest professional cycling team ahead of the 2017 campaign.
He makes the switch from Fleet-based Pedal Heaven, along with eight team-mates and sports director Tim Elverson.
And Webber, who began cycling with Andover Wheelers, can’t wait to get started on a project which will see him ride world-renowned Canyon bikes and come under the spotlight of Sky television channel BIKE.
He said: "I'm really pleased and excited to be a part of BIKE Channel Canyon next season.
“From the first team get-together back in November, it was clear how well everyone was bonding and the confidence in the team was already there.
“I can't wait to work with the BIKE Channel, who will be documenting a lot of our pre-season training along with the racing.
“I’m also really looking forward to racing on Canyon bikes next year, too. They seem to be racking up all the best bike awards at the moment!
“All in all, it looks like we have a brilliant year ahead.”
Chris Opie, one of Britain’s finest sprinters, has made the move from ONE Pro Cycling to become BIKE Channel Canyon’s lead rider.
George Atkins has crossed over from JLT Condor, while Rob Partridge and James Lowsley-Williams have arrived from NFTO.
Rory Townsend, Dexter Gardias, Jack Pullar, Max Stedman, Joe Fry, Harry Tanfield, Jake Womersley and Alex Richardson have all joined Webber from Pedal Heaven, who have ceased racing in the professional ranks.
And the squad is made up by Sam Lowe, formerly of Team Wiggins, and Matt Nowell, who will step up from the Wheelbase Altura team.
Follow BIKE Channel Canyon’s progress on social media, via Facebook, Twitter (links on side panel) and Instagram, and on the race team’s official website www.bikechannelcanyon.co.uk

BIKE Channel Canyon is based with owner, manager and sports director Tim Elverson in Fleet, Hampshire.

BIKE Channel and Canyon announced their partnership in new UK-based professional cycling team, BIKE Channel Canyon, on Wednesday, November 30.
The team will compete at UCI Continental level and will be led by sports director Tim Elverson, formerly of Pedal Heaven, with Chris Opie taking up the role of lead rider after his switch from ONE Pro Cycling.
Elverson has put together a dynamic stable full of young British talent, with an average age of just 24.
The full roster sees Opie joined by Dexter Gardias, Jack Pullar, Rory Townsend, George Atkins, Rob Partridge, James Lowsley-Williams, Sam Lowe, Harry Tanfield, Alex Richardson, Max Stedman, Joe Fry, Jake Womersley, Mitch Webber and Matt Nowell.
The squad will ride Canyon’s flagship bikes - the Aeroad CF SLX and Ultimate CF SLX.
Online magazine and cyclopedia Bikesoup and Brother UK are key partners of the team.
Other products sponsors of the team include Salice, Sidi, High5, Astute and Arundel.
Through BIKE Channel and Bikesoup, fans will be given an unparalleled look at the world of professional cycling.

Filippo Ubaldini, founder and chief executive of BIKE Channel, said: “The BIKE Channel Canyon team represents a new model of cycling team, one which brings fans even closer to the action and shows them what it means to be a professional cyclist.
“BIKE Channel’s viewers and fans will be able to take part in events and rides with the team and get to know the personality of every rider as never experienced before.”

Nick Allen, Canyon’s UK market manager, said: “We are extremely excited to be co-title sponsor of the new British cycling team BIKE Channel Canyon.
“Canyon’s long-term investment in this new UCI Continental team is yet another way for us to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the professional sport of cycling and its growth within the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“We are confident this will be a successful initiative, one which will serve to boost the British professional road cycling circuit and excite and inspire cycling fans around the country.
“It will also offer potential customers the opportunity to see Canyon road bikes in action and even test the bikes at selected team events and races.”

Tim Elverson, BIKE Channel Canyon owner, manager and sports director, said: “This is an exciting long term project to be involved in that will allow me to develop and progress the squad across the coming seasons.
“The vibe and energy coming from the team already is great and we just can’t wait to go racing.”

Chris Opie, BIKE Channel Canyon lead rider, said: “I’m really excited for 2017 with BIKE Channel Canyon. It is a fantastic opportunity and challenge for me.
“A team tied to a broadcaster gives us the opportunity to connect with our fans in ways which haven’t been explored before.
“I am looking forward to working with an enthusiastic, motivated and professional team who know how to race well and enjoy our sport at the same time.”

British Cycling Stars Honoured in New Years List

Press Release BRITISH CYCLING STARS HONOURED IN THE NEW YEAR’S HONOURS LIST

Eighteen of British Cycling’s Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists have had their achievements recognised in the 2017 New Year’s Honours List, along with four more stalwarts of the sport.

Laura Kenny, who won two gold medals in Rio to become the first British woman to win a total of four Olympic titles, and husband Jason, who won three gold medals in Rio to draw level with Sir Chris Hoy as Britain’s most successful Olympian with six gold medals, have both been awarded CBEs for services to cycling.

Ed Clancy, who won gold in Beijing, London and Rio, has been given an OBE, as has Jody Cundy for his service to cycling and swimming, having won a total of seven Paralympic gold medals so far in his career.

Olympic gold medallists Katie Archibald, Elinor Barker and Owain Doull along with Paralympic gold medallists Steve Bate, Jon-Allan Butterworth, Karen Darke, Adam Duggleby, Lora Fachie, Megan Giglia, Corrine Hall, Louis Rolfe, Helen Scott and Sophie Thornhill have all been awarded MBEs for their services to cycling. Kadeena Cox, who won gold in both para-athletics and para-cycling in Rio, is awarded with an MBE for her services to athletics.

British Cycling’s para-cycling head coach Jon Norfolk has been recognised with an MBE for his services to cycling, as has Bill Owen – former president of Welsh Cycling, founder of the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling and an organiser of cycling events for over 30 years – for his services to cycling particularly in Wales.

Brian Robinson, the first British rider to finish the Tour de France and the first to win a stage of the Tour, has been given a BEM for his services to cycling and charity, as has Neville Pettitt, chairman of West Suffolk Wheelers, for his services to cycling and youth participation in cycling.

British Cycling president Bob Howden said: “The New Year’s Honours List represents the latest round of accolades for the Great Britain Cycling Team in what has been an extraordinary year for cycling. In total, British cyclists claimed 12 Olympic medals, 21 Paralympic medals, 16 elite world titles, and yellow jerseys in the Tour de France and Tour of Britain so it’s great to see so many of our cyclists awarded with an honour. Along with every other British Cycling member, I am very proud that our sport has such wonderful ambassadors who inspire huge numbers of people to get on their bikes.

“I’m also thrilled for Brian Robinson that his role as a true cycling pioneer has been rewarded. Brian, an inspiration to me and many others in our formative years, has given a huge amount to the sport, particularly in Yorkshire. Equally, it is vital that the contributions of Bill Owen and Neville Pettitt are recognised – without their work and that of the thousands of volunteers nationwide who turn out week-in, week-out we simply would not have a sport.

“On behalf of everyone at British Cycling, I’d like to congratulate all of those recognised for their services to cycling in the New Year’s Honours list and thank them for their contribution to our great sport.”

South Youth Team to Ride Youth Tour of Scotland, Riders Invited to Apply!

SOUTH YOUTH TEAM - ANNOUNCEMENT

Following on from the very successful Inter-Regional Championships this year, the South Youth Work Group want to increase the opportunity for all Youth A and B riders (born between 2001 and 2004) in road, track and MTB disciplines to make the most of training events (known as “South Days”) – these proved very popular this year and it is the intention to keep with this format in 2017 with a published programme.
Although no dates have yet to be released a list of the registered events for selecting riders for the UK School Games and the Inter-Regional Championships will also be published very shortly. The main factor for selection will be National Series points, but in addition national and regional specific events will be taken into consideration, together with performances in races when competing against other South Region riders. As before, all teams for each of the three disciplines will consist of up to 4 boys & 4 girls, with each event having one boy and girl nominated as a non-travelling reserve.
Additionally, the Region has been given the opportunity to enter two teams of 4 (Boys Youth A and Girls Youth A&B) to compete in the Scottish Cycling Youth Tour of Scotland (7-10 April). Event Details HERE
The event is by invitation only and is a fantastic opportunity to experience team racing in a stage race with convoy support on closed roads in and around Perthshire. Individual costs are: entry fee per rider (which includes full board accommodation and all meals at Strathallan School) £219; and an additional fee of £180 for each Team Manager or accompanying parent. As this does not form any part of the Inter-Regional Championships there is limited scope to what degree the Region can contribute financially, but the Youth Work Group will be asking the Regional Board to consider some form of contribution toward transport and fuel costs. Anyone wishing to be considered for selection for either of the teams and whose parents are happy to cover the entry fee cost should forward their name and date of birth (by Monday 23 January) to: SouthYouthTeam@outlook.com

Dorset Miles, A Winter Monument!

Eleven of us at Bear Cross on a cold, frosty, morning, reliable faces, dependable legs, essential for some classic winter miles. Those with ambitions to ride the road need to ride the road, no doubt some stayed in bed, "Hands off Cocks, On Socks" the best career advice i ever got. A young Daniel Lloyd laid the foundations for a professional career riding these local monuments. That first uncomfortable introduction to "the man with hammer" as valuable as any structured, watt-based, e-mailed from afar, coaching plan, inexperience inevitably becomes experience. Gingerly out to Longham & Canford Bottom but still the envy of commuter traffic. Holt was clear, Chalbury Common was treacherous, unclipping on the drop down to Horton. The more ice we saw, the more nervous we got, Woodlands was sketchy, a stop to let air out of tyres and the main road calmed us all down. Through Cranborne, Alderholt, Fordingbridge and across to Whitsbury, slushy through the lanes but by Rockbourne we were clear. Fast and bright down to Coombe Bissett and the Ebble valley road, always a slog in the best sort of way. A broken gear cable made it more of a slog for one but he will talk about it all his cycling life. Up towards Shaftesbury then down to Cann Common and Zig Zag hill, that hammer man was tapping a couple on the shoulder but all regrouped at Winn Green for the fast descent homewards. Lined out on the Wimborne road those dependable legs working for all of the group. What did Lloyd do after his hunger-knock kicking? He came back the following week, that's what!

4hrs 39 86 miles

British Cycling President Pays Tribute to Bradley Wiggins

Press Release
BRITISH CYCLING PRESIDENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIR BRADLEY WIGGINS

British Cycling’s president Bob Howden has paid tribute to Sir Bradley Wiggins, Britain’s most decorated Olympian, upon his retirement.

Howden said: "Eight Olympic medals and a first British win in the Tour de France are just part of the captivating story of a cycling legend, as few sportspeople have had the impact on life in this country as Sir Bradley Wiggins.

"He retires as one of British sport's great champions, not just for the medals and the sheer diversity of races he won but also for the way in which he used his achievements to inspire so many people to become active by getting on their bikes. British Cycling has much to thank him for and we wish him success with his future plans."

New Forest Boxing Day 10,Wadsley Wins Festive Test.

Riding his final race as a junior, Sam Wadsley (Poole Wheelers) impressively won the New Forest CC Boxing Day 10 mile time trial on the P311 south of Ringwood in Hampshire. On a bright, December morning 18 year old Wadsley produced a time most would be pleased to post on a balmy June evening, his 22:10, 17 seconds ahead of British Cycling Junior Academy rider, Charley Calvert (Bournemouth Arrow).

Wadsley won the CC Weymouth Easter 10 back in March and leaves the junior ranks with confidence high. Calvert was disappointed with his ride but has been training hard at the Newport velodrome ahead of a January track competition at Apeldoorrn in the Netherlands.

Neil Mackley (Fareham Wheelers) clocked 22:52 to take third place ahead of 2012 winner Anthony Green (New Forest CC) & rising local star Patryk Witkowski (Bournemouth Jubilee Wh). Pre-race favourite Xavier Disley (Aerocoach) had to settle for sixth place but had no complaints, training for the national track championships next year and running his Aerocoach coaching business, taking up his time and his endurance.

Lou Dutch (Synergie Coaching), 25:46, took the women's race well clear of Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers pair, Lizzy Campbell,27:22 & Louise Cooper, 27:49. In the battle of the road bikes, veteran Stu Bowers(Bournemouth Jubilee Wh) & Matt Downie (Eden Veranda) tied on 23:26 with Mitch Webber (PedalHeaven RT) just behind with 23:35, Webber finding time to wave at the camera. The start list of 83 plus two tandems was the biggest field anyone could remember for this festive fixture, encouraging for the New Forest Cycling Club who have been running the event since the 1960's.

Provisional Result

1 Samuel Wadsley (Poole Wh) 00:22:10
2 Charley Calvert BOURNEMOUTH ARROW CC 00:22:27
3 Neil Mackley FAREHAM WH 00:22:52
4 Antony Green NEW FOREST CC 00:22:54

5 Patryk Witkowski BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:22:57

6 B Xavier Disley AEROCOACH 00:23:04
7 Brendan Reese BOURNEMOUTH ARROW CC 00:23:10
8 James Horton POOLE WH 00:23:11
9 Steven Cottington BATH CC 00:23:14
10 Andrew Cooper BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:23:20
11 Tom Stocker BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:23:23

12 Stuart Bowers BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:23:26

13 Matthew Downie EDEN VERANDA 00:23:26

14 Mitchell Webber PEDALHEAVEN RT 00:23:35
15 Craig Haslam TRI UK 00:23:50
16 Stuart Martingale SOTONIA CC 00:23:56
17 Nicholas Buck NEW FOREST CC 00:24:01
18 Steve Groome BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:24:04
19 Perry Lee SOUTHDOWN VELO 00:24:16
20 Christopher Day POOLE WH 00:24:42
21 Max Moyles NEW FOREST CC 00:24:52
22 Thomas Day POOLE WH 00:24:56
23 Lyndon Thompson NEW FOREST CC 00:25:02
24 Julian Lockwood PRIMERATEAMJOBS 00:25:07
25 stuart peckham NEW FOREST CC 00:25:15
26 Iain Palmer TWICKENHAM CC 00:25:21

27 Graham Crockford DULWICH PARAGON 00:25:21
28 Rob Jones ZOOM TRI 00:25:34
29 Chris Wilson TORNADO RCC 00:25:38
30 Lou Dutch SYNERGIE COACHING 00:25:46
31 Philip Godfrey SOTONIA CC 00:25:53
32 Richard Blake ANTELOPE CC 00:25:57

33 Pete Wilson BOURNEMOUTH ARROW 00:26:05
34 Kevin Harris BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:26:08
35 Jamie Whitcher POOLE WH 00:26:16
36 Max Webber ABBOTTS ANN CYCLES 00:26:21
37 Martin Ross BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:26:25
38 Richard Parker NEW FOREST CC 00:26:30
39 Pete Coombs NEW FOREST CC 00:26:35
40 Tom Butler NEW FOREST CC 00:26:36
41 Adrian Watkins TORNADO RC 00:26:39
42 Matt Blythe BOURNEMOUTH ARROW CC 00:26:50
43 Luke Monahan UK BIKING 00:26:55
44 David James-Cheesman SOUTHDOWN VELO 00:27:19
45 Lizzy Campbell BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:27:22
46 Peter Walker RNRMCA 00:27:30

47 Louisa Cooper BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:27:49
48 Lucy Gadd POOLE WH 00:27:59
49 Julian Sheppard NEW FOREST CC 00:28:01
50 Neil Dyble BOURNEMOUTH ARROW CC 00:28:06
51 Dean Jewer BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:28:06
52 Jeremy Gill POOLE WH 00:28:15
53 Nicholas Cooper ANDOVER WH 00:28:33
54 Dan Byrne POOLE WH 00:28:42
55 Harry O'Donoghue POOLE WH 00:28:53
56 Emma Needham CC WEYMOUTH 00:29:01

57 Kate Bowers BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:29:01

58 Martin Howes TORNADO RCC 00:29:37
59 Fiona Scotter ARMY CYCLING UNION 00:29:46
60 Michael Round BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WH 00:30:17
61 Mat Jessop TORNADO RCC 00:30:22
62 Martin Balk 3C CYCLEXPERIENCE 00:31:39
63 Catherine Pascoe NEW FOREST CC 00:33:17
64 Dave Cooper ANDOVER WH 00:34:00
65 Nicholas Brewster SOLENT PIRATES 00:34:20
66 Ben Gill POOLE WH 00:35:21

Tandems
1 NicholasO'Hara 00:24:33 3C CYCLEXPERIENCE
Sean Williams 00:24:33YSPORTSSP
2 PENNY COSBURN 00:37:40 SOTONIA CC
MARY CORBETT

Latchem Sunwise Race Team, Nolan & Croft Join Forces!

Latchem Sunwise Race Team

Nolan & Croft at Winchester in 2016

Luke Nolan & Calum Croft will join forces to spearhead the attack for the newly launched Latchem Sunwise Race Team in 2017. Nolan just pipped Croft for the South Region circuit championship in 2016 but they will prove a formidable double act next season.The two talented sprinters favour criterium racing but the team will also target all of the major southern region races.Road captain, Nolan, will be backed by Ross Evans, Sean Townsend, Gareth Turner, Tom Lane, Adrian Lawson, Peter Thomas,Ian Hicks, Ryan Baggs, James Dudden Craig Walduck, Barnaby Cox, Adrian Warren and youngster, James Hywel-Davies with Lee Williams acting as team manager. Look out for the full Official launch in January when the team will unveil their new NOPINZ Kit.

Croft wins at Bath 2015
Supported by Melksham Cycle Centre, Latchem Roofing and Sunwise have joined together to create the Latchem Roofing Sunwise Race Team. With huge emphasis on competing at the very top level of British Road Racing but also giving racing novices the chance to support, enjoy and improve in this club environment race team.
"We are a very unique set up with a focus on winning at the very top level, but with a support network for all categories of rider thanks to Melksham Cycle Centre." says Nolan


Team Rosta
Calum Croft
Luke Nolan
Ross Evans
Sean Townsend
Gareth Turner
Tom Lane
Craig Walduck
Adrian Lawson
Peter Thomas
Barnaby Cox
James Hywel-Davies
Ian Hicks
Ryan Baggs
James Dudden
Adrian Warren

Stephen Park Appointed British Cycling Performance Director

STEPHEN PARK APPOINTED BRITISH CYCLING PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR- Press Release

British Cycling is delighted to announce Stephen Park OBE as the Great Britain Cycling Team’s new performance director.

Park, who as the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) Olympic manager guided the British Sailing Team to the top of the sport’s medal table in Rio, will become British Cycling’s first performance director since 2014.

The 48-year-old has been the RYA’s Olympic manager for the past 15 years, with Britain’s world-beating sailors amassing 23 Olympic and Paralympic medals during his time at the helm. Park will start work at the National Cycling Centre in the spring of 2017.

Park said:

“I feel privileged and excited to be given this opportunity, and look forward to building on the high-performance culture at British Cycling. My role will be to lead the team, support the coaches and the wider staff to continue delivering successful programmes which enable the athletes to fulfil their tremendous potential.

“My time with the RYA has been hugely rewarding, and Olympic Sailing has evolved enormously during my 15 years as Olympic team manager, requiring an inquisitive and innovative approach to stay ahead of the competition. As top sailing nation at Rio 2016 and following our review process and recent significant UK Sport funding announcement, I’m confident the team is in great shape for the Tokyo 2020 cycle. I would like to convey my deepest appreciation to all the British Sailing Team athletes, staff and across the RYA family – past and present – for their unwavering commitment in support of British Sailing’s medal-winning achievements during my tenure.

“Clearly cycling poses very different challenges to sailing, but it’s a sport I am very passionate about from a personal perspective. I’m looking forward to meeting its challenges head on and working intensively with a highly motivated and experienced group of athletes, coaches and support staff.”

Following another hugely successful Olympic and Paralympic Games, British Cycling started the extensive performance director recruitment process in October, working alongside UK Sport and Positive Dynamics.

Former Olympic champion Chris Boardman was part of the selection process, and said:

“The standard of applicants was predictably high, and in appointing Stephen Park I am extremely confident that we have someone in place who can now go forward and build on the fantastic success that British Cycling has enjoyed in recent years.

“The role calls for a highly effective, ambitious leader with a track record of successfully delivering at the highest level, and an ability to instil a real sense of team and get the most out of the wealth of experience that is evident in the Great Britain Cycling Team.
“Throughout the selection process, it was very clear that Stephen demonstrates each and every one of these characteristics.”

Bob Howden, British Cycling president, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Stephen to British Cycling. The performance director role is integral to our ambitions looking ahead to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

“Following our tremendous success at Rio, we are now at the start of another four-year cycle; one which brings great challenges but also great opportunities to build on success.

“We are confident that, in Stephen, we have the right person in the role to guide us through this cycle and fulfil our ambition to finish top of both medal tables and remain the number one cycling nation in the world.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Andy Harrison, our programmes director, and his colleagues for leading the team so successfully through recent months.”

Chelsea Warr, director of performance at UK Sport said:

“In this critical appointment of Stephen Park – well known across the system as ‘Sparky’ – to the role of performance director at British Cycling, we have one of our world-class performance system’s most successful leaders, who has worked at the highest level of Olympic and Paralympic sport and has been tremendously successful over multiple Games.

“In collaboration with the brilliant coaches and support team at British Cycling, I am very confident that Stephen will lead the programme to achieve even more success in the Tokyo cycle and beyond with a renewed focus on leadership, innovation, high-performance culture and behaviours, to meet the needs of the athletes and help them reach their full potential.”

Calshot Track League #7 Results & Standings

1st Frank KILSBY VC St Raphaël / Waite Contracts / Hewitt Cycles
2nd Simon PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
3rd Richard EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC
4th Leighton SMITH Bournemouth Arrow CC
5th Jeremy GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
6th Glen REDMAN CC Basingstoke
7th Alexandra DIEM Southampton University Road Club
8th Doug CONROY Redmon CC
9th Jim ROBERTSON British Cycling Private Member - South East
SENIOR ‘AB’ LEAGUE : POINTS RACE
1st Frank KILSBY VC St Raphaël / Waite Contracts / Hewitt Cycles 30 pts
2nd Simon PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 18 pts
3rd Richard EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC 10 pts
4th Jeremy GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 2 pts
5th Leighton SMITH Bournemouth Arrow CC
6th Glen REDMAN CC Basingstoke
7th Alexandra DIEM Southampton University Road Club
8th Doug CONROY Redmon CC
9th Jim ROBERTSON British Cycling Private Member - South East
SENIOR ‘AB’ LEAGUE: UNKNOWN DISTANCE
1st Frank KILSBY VC St Raphaël / Waite Contracts / Hewitt Cycles
2nd Simon PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
3rd Richard EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC
4th Jeremy GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
5th Glen REDMAN CC Basingstoke
6th Alexandra DIEM Southampton University Road Club
7th Leighton SMITH Bournemouth Arrow CC
8th Doug CONROY Redmon CC
9th Jim ROBERTSON British Cycling Private Member - South East
SENIOR ‘AB’ LEAGUE: SPRINT
1st Simon PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
2nd Richard EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC
3rd Jeremy GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
4th Glen REDMAN CC Basingstoke
5th Leighton SMITH Bournemouth Arrow CC
6th Frank KILSBY VC St Raphaël / Waite Contracts / Hewitt Cycles

SENIOR ‘AB’ LEAGUE: SCRATCH RACE
1st Joshua KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
2nd Frank KILSBY VC St Raphaël / Waite Contracts / Hewitt Cycles
3rd Simon PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
4th Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
5th Richard EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC
6th Alexandra DIEM Southampton University Road Club
7th Glen REDMAN CC Basingstoke
8th Jeremy GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
9th Doug CONROY Redmon CC
10th Jim ROBERTSON British Cycling Private Member - South East
VETERANS/ JUNIORS/WOMEN: 2 km SCRATCH
1st Joshua KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
2nd Richard EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC
3rd Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
4th Simon PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
5th Thomas DAY Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
6th Sam FREEMAN Solent Pirates
7th Alexandra DIEM Southampton University Road Club
8th Jeremy GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
9th Glen REDMAN CC Basingstoke
10th Freya RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC
11th Doug CONROY Redmon CC
12th Jim ROBERTSON British Cycling Private Member - South East
VETERANS/JUNIOR/WOMEN: UNKNOWN DISTANCE
1st Alexandra DIEM Southampton University Road Club
2nd Freya RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC
3rd Doug CONROY Redmon CC
4th Joshua KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
5th Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
6th Glen REDMAN CC Basingstoke
7th Richard EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC
8th Sam FREEMAN Solent Pirates
9th Thomas DAY Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
10th Jeremy GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
11th Jim ROBERTSON British Cycling Private Member - South East

YOUTH U16: WARM - UP
1st Joshua KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
2nd Elliot COX Velo Club Venta
3rd Sam FREEMAN Solent Pirates
4th Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
5th Thomas DAY Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
6th Freya RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC
YOUTH U16: 1km SCRATCH
1st Elliot COX Velo Club Venta
2nd Joshua KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
3rd Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
4th Thomas DAY Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
5th Sam FREEMAN Solent Pirates
6th Freya RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC
YOUTH U16: POINTS
1st Joshua KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles 25 pts
2nd Elliot COX Velo Club Venta 11 pts
3rd Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club 11 pts
4th Freya RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC 7 pts
5th Sam FREEMAN Solent Pirates 6 pts
6th Thomas DAY Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
YOUTH U16: HANDICAP
1st Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
2nd Elliot COX Velo Club Venta
3rd Sam FREEMAN Solent Pirates
4th Thomas DAY Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
5th Freya RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC
6th Joshua KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
YOUTH U16: SPRINT
1st Elliot COX Velo Club Venta
2nd Joshua KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
3rd Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
4th Sam FREEMAN Solent Pirates
YOUTH U16: SCRATCH
1st Joshua KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
2nd Elliot COX Velo Club Venta
3rd Sam FREEMAN Solent Pirates
4th Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
5th Thomas DAY Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
6th Freya RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC

YOUTH U14: WARM - UP
1st Jed SMITHSON Hillingdon Slipstreamers
2nd James ASHCROFT Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
3rd Joe O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
4th Jamie WHITCHER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
5th Elliot MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers
6th Danny HAVEY Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
7th Tom STRINGER Hillingdon Slipstreamers
YOUTH U14: 1km SCRATCH
1st Jed SMITHSON Hillingdon Slipstreamers
2nd James ASHCROFT Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
3rd Jamie WHITCHER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
4th Elliot MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers
5th Joe O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
6th Tom STRINGER Hillingdon Slipstreamers
7th Danny HAVEY Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
YOUTH U14: POINTS
1st Jed SMITHSON Hillingdon Slipstreamers 15 pts
2nd James ASHCROFT Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles 14 pts
3rd Joe O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers 10 pts
4th Danny HAVEY Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club 10 pts
5th Jamie WHITCHER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 8 pts
6th Elliot MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers 3 pts
7th Tom STRINGER Hillingdon Slipstreamers
YOUTH U14: HANDICAP
1st Danny HAVEY Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
2nd Tom STRINGER Hillingdon Slipstreamers
3rd Elliot MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers
4th Jamie WHITCHER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
5th Joe O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
6th Jed SMITHSON Hillingdon Slipstreamers
7th James ASHCROFT Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
YOUTH U14: SPRINT
1st James ASHCROFT Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
2nd Jed SMITHSON Hillingdon Slipstreamers
3rd Joe O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
4th Danny HAVEY Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club

YOUTH U14: SCRATCH
1st James ASHCROFT Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles
2nd Jed SMITHSON Hillingdon Slipstreamers
3rd Joe O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
4th Elliot MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers
5th Jamie WHITCHER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
6th Tom STRINGER Hillingdon Slipstreamers
7th Danny HAVEY Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club
YOUTH U12: WARM - UP
1st Pascal GIRET Velo Club De Londres
2nd Ben GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
3rd Caitlin LOVELESS Hillingdon Slipstreamers
4th Callum ROBINS Solent Pirates
5th Amber RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC
6th Ella BEATON Solent Pirates
7th Brody CROCKFORD British Cycling Private Member – South
YOUTH U12: SCRATCH
1st Pascal GIRET Velo Club De Londres
2nd Caitlin LOVELESS Hillingdon Slipstreamers
3rd Ben GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
4th Callum ROBINS Solent Pirates
5th Brody CROCKFORD British Cycling Private Member – South
6th Amber RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC
7th Ella BEATON Solent Pirates
YOUTH U12: POINTS
1st Pascal GIRET Velo Club De Londres 25 pts
2nd Caitlin LOVELESS Hillingdon Slipstreamers 13 pts
3rd Ben GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 12 pts
4th Callum ROBINS Solent Pirates
5th Amber RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC
6th Ella BEATON Solent Pirates
7th Brody CROCKFORD British Cycling Private Member – South
YOUTH U12: HANDICAP
1st Ella BEATON Solent Pirates
2nd Brody CROCKFORD British Cycling Private Member – South
3rd Ben GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
4th Pascal GIRET Velo Club De Londres
5th Caitlin LOVELESS Hillingdon Slipstreamers
6th Callum ROBINS Solent Pirates
7th Amber RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC
YOUTH U12: SPRINT
1st Ben GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
2nd Caitlin LOVELESS Hillingdon Slipstreamers
3rd Ella BEATON Solent Pirates
4th Callum ROBINS Solent Pirates
YOUTH U12: SCRATCH
1st Pascal GIRET Velo Club De Londres
2nd Ben GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
3rd Caitlin LOVELESS Hillingdon Slipstreamers
4th Callum ROBINS Solent Pirates
5th Brody CROCKFORD British Cycling Private Member – South
6th Ella BEATON Solent Pirates
7th Amber RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC

YOUTH U10: WARM – UP
1st Oliver PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
2nd Finlay O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
3rd Digby LLEWELLYN Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
4th Patrick ATKINSON Poole Wheelers CC
5th Bobbie O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
6th Emily MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers
7th Gregory EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC
8th Oliver GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
YOUTH U10: SCRATCH
1st Oliver PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
2nd Finlay O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
3rd Digby LLEWELLYN Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
4th Bobbie O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
5th Patrick ATKINSON Poole Wheelers CC
6th Emily MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers
7th Oliver GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
8th Gregory EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC
YOUTH U10: POINTS
1st Oliver PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 20 pts
2nd Patrick ATKINSON Poole Wheelers CC 12 pts
3rd Finlay O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers 8 pts
4th Bobbie O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
5th Digby LLEWELLYN Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
6th Emily MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers
7th Oliver GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
8th Gregory EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC
YOUTH U10: HANDICAP
1st Oliver GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
2nd Bobbie O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
3rd Gregory EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC
4th Emily MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers
5th Patrick ATKINSON Poole Wheelers CC
6th Oliver PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
7th Digby LLEWELLYN Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
8th Finlay O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers

YOUTH U10: SPRINT
1st Oliver PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
2nd Patrick ATKINSON Poole Wheelers CC
3rd Bobbie O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
4th Emily MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers
YOUTH U10: SCRATCH
1st Oliver PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
2nd Finlay O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
3rd Bobbie O’BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers
4th Patrick ATKINSON Poole Wheelers CC
5th Digby LLEWELLYN Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
6th Oliver GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club
7th Gregory EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC
8th Emily MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers

YOUTH U8: WARM – UP
1st Charlie PETTIFER Poole Wheelers CC
2nd Harrison HENDY IOW Cycling Club
YOUTH U8: SCRATCH
1st Charlie PETTIFER Poole Wheelers CC
2nd Harrison HENDY IOW Cycling Club
YOUTH U8: POINTS
1st Charlie PETTIFER Poole Wheelers CC 15 pts
2nd Harrison HENDY IOW Cycling Club 9 pts
YOUTH U8: HANDICAP
1st Charlie PETTIFER Poole Wheelers CC
2nd Harrison HENDY IOW Cycling Club
YOUTH U8: SPRINT
1st Charlie PETTIFER Poole Wheelers CC
2nd Harrison HENDY IOW Cycling Club
YOUTH U8: SCRATCH
1st Harrison HENDY IOW Cycling Club
2nd Charlie PETTIFER Poole Wheelers CC

Overall after Round 7
A LEAGUE
1 Alex COLLINS Fareham Wheelers CC 77
2 Frank KILSBY VC St Raphaël / Waite Contracts / Hewitt Cycles 29
2 Andy SHACKEL Team Wiggle 13
3 Joe CLARK i-team Cyclist’s Club / KSL / In-Tandem 10
4 Brendan DREWETT Fareham Wheelers CC 7
B LEAGUE TOT
1 Simon PETTIFER Poole Wheelers CC 99
2 Richard EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers 53
3 Jeremy GILL Poole Wheelers CC 21
4 Sam CLARK i-team Cyclist’s Club / KSL / In-Tandem 12
5 George SKINNER Salisbury Road & Mountain Bike CC 8
6 Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club 4
Paul GILBERT High Wycombe CC 4
8 Josh KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles 3
9 Glen REDMAN CC Basingstoke 2
10 Doug CONROY Redmon CC 1
Caitlin PETERS i-team Cyclist’s Club / KSL / In-Tandem 1
YOUTH A
1 Josh KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles 73
2 Elliot COX Velo Club Venta 66
3 Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club 40
4 Sam CLARK i-team Cyclist’s Club / KSL / In-Tandem 21
5 Caitlin PETERS i-team Cyclist’s Club / KSL / In-Tandem 11
6 Tom DAY Poole Wheelers CC 10
7 Sam FREEMAN Solent Pirates 4
8 Owen GILES Portsmouth North End CC 3
YOUTH B
1 James ASHCROFT Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles 86
2 Jed SMITHSON Hillingdon Slipstreamers 52
3 Joe O'BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers 26
4 Jamie WHITCHER Poole Wheelers CC 24
5 Elliot MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers 15
6 Danny HAVEY Fareham Wheelers CC 12
Abby OLD Hillingdon Slipstreamers 9
8 Tom STRINGER Hillingdon Slipstreamers 7
9 Charlotte KELLY Bournemouth Arrow CC 5
10 Nathaniel BROOKES Gillingham & District Wheelers CC 2
Peter DRABBLE VC Meudon 2
Jodie LEACH Mud Sweat n Gears CC 2
YOUTH C
1 Ben GILL Poole Wheelers CC 85
2 Sophie TILLER Solent Pirates 45
3 Charlie ABEL Poole Wheelers CC 36
4 Caitlin LOVELESS Hillingdon Slipstreamers 20
5 Callum ROBINS Solent Pirates 20
6 Pascal GIRET Velo Club De Londres 12
7 Ella BEATON Solent Pirates 9
8 Aiden DEWHIRST Poole Wheelers CC 8
9 Ella BEATON Solent Pirates 5
10 Brody CRROCKFORD BC PM - South 2
11 Poppy LLEWELLYN Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 2

YOUTH D
1 Oliver PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 102
2 Stanley KENT Hillingdon Slipstreamers 45
3 Finlay O'BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers 24
4 Bobbie O'BRIEN Hillingdon Slipstreamers 22
Patrick ATKINSON Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 22
6 Oliver GILL Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 15
7 Gregory EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers CC 6
8 Oliver KENT Hillingdon Slipstreamers 4
9 Digby LLEWELLYN Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 3
10 Emily MOREVE Hillingdon Slipstreamers 1
Sam GILBERT Hillingdon Slipstreamers 1
YOUTH E TOT
1 Charlie PETTIFER Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 102
2 Harrison HENDY IOW Cycling Club 70
3 Albie ATKINSON Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 24
4 Oliver TOOLEY Poole Wheelers Cycling Club 18
5 Ruby ISAAC Fenland Clarion Cycling Club 8
VETERANS
1 Richard EASTHAM Bournemouth Jubilee Whlrs 32
2 Jeremy GILL Poole Wheelers CC 17
3 Glen REDMAN North Hampshire Road Club 11
4 Doug CONROY Redmon CC 6
5 Jim ROBERTSON BC PM - South East 3
6 Simon PETTIFER Poole Wheelers CC 2
7 Steve COX Velo Club Venta 1
Paul GILBERT High Wycombe CC 1
JUNIORS
1 Alex COLLINS Fareham Wheelers CC 21
2 Josh KNOWLES Palmer Park Velo RT / awcycles 15
3 Harry JOHNSON Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club 9
4 Elliot COX Velo Club Venta 8
5 Tom DAY Poole Wheelers CC 3
6 Joe CLARK i-team Cyclist’s Club / KSL / In-Tandem 2
7 Sam FREEMAN Solent Pirates 1

WOMEN
1 Alexandra DIEM Southampton University Road Club 24
2 Caitlin PETERS i-team Cyclist’s Club / KSL / In-Tandem 9
3 Freya RICHARDSON Portsmouth North End CC 4

The league resumes on January 8th 2017

Matt Downie: Question Time

A disappointing first season that saw Primera-TeamJobs promise plenty, go AWOL mid season and ultimately deliver, little raised questions. A few circuit wins, some gutsy performances from Oscar Hutchings, that did more for him than the team, the highlight of a dis-jointed year. Its all change for 2017. new riders, stronger management, clear strategy and better communications see the team looking forward with optimism. Two recent squad days, have provided quality winter training, some healthy competition and a good deal of mickey-taking, all helping to provide that magical ingredient, good morale! We caught up with new signing Matt Downie after the latest squad day to ask him a few questions. The 19 year old from Eastleigh took up cycling after the being inspired by the London Olympics in 2012, lists lasagne as his favourite food, The Breakfast Club & Lord of the Rings his favourite movies and hates seeing other people brush their teeth!

What does you winter training programme look like? Lots of miles, Turbo? Gym, Is it hard to stay motivated through the winter?
"This winter I'm looking to improve my overall fitness, so I'm doing a lot more base rides. However I've also been including some threshold work during my base rides just to keep it a bit interesting as well as avoid losing too much speed. I've also been doing as much yoga as possible. I think its harder to stay motivated throughout the winter if you let the cold and wet get to you, I find if I wear the right kit, leg warmers, base layer, over shoes etc it doesn’t make it too hard to go out. Unless the weather is terrible. . I live in Eastleigh, which is perfect for training as I'm pretty much in the middle of the New Forest and the south downs."

Do you take a break?
"I took my end of season break after my last race (Downton 2 day). It was well timed as I got a really bad cold. I only took a week off as I had a mid season break. I'm already well into my winter training now, making sure I don’t repeat last year."

You have had a great season, what are the highlights for you? What was your favourite race? What about the lows? any disappointments?

"Getting the opportunity to race along side some of the best cyclists in Britain during the Wiltshire GP. Also my first road race win was quite a big highlight for my season. (Bournemouth Cycleworks Purbeck RR) Disappointments…definitely the beginning of the season was dreadful for me. I was 8kg overweight and I was fairly unfit, so going to races like Perfs and James Atherton I was ill prepared."

First Win for Matt

How do you celebrate a win?
"I usually celebrate by taking my girlfriend out for a meal just as a little thank you for putting up with my eating habits and the hours that I spend training."



What are your targets/plans for 2017?
"For 2017 I'm hoping to be my best season by far, I'm going to be looking to enter and hopefully do well in bigger races. My first target of next season will be Perfs Pedal race, however my biggest goal for next season will be the British U23 TT championship as well as the national U23 road race. I would like to get a few more opportunities to race in national A races and see how I fair in them. I am very excited to be racing for Primera Team-Jobs and the whole team is highly motivated for next year."

What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What sort of course do you prefer?
"I would have to say my main strength would have to be time trialing, after 6 months into my first racing season I found that it was my best strength. I have two main weaknesses, one is sprinting and the other is really steep climbs, I don’t know why but I struggle to get up and over them. My ideal course would have to be a rolling course, nothing too steep, enough to put the bigger lads in a bit of difficulty but not let the really small guys get too much of an advantage. If there's a section with a bit of a cross wind makes it even better."


Who do you admire in the pro peloton? Any heroes?
"I am a massive fan of Tom Boonen. He's not just a monster on the cobbles but off them he's a machine. Also Tony Martin is an absolute power house, ripping it on the front when needed. Outside of the pro peloton a true inspiration to me and my cycling is Julian Jenkinson, who sadly passed early this year. Julian taught me a lot in the short time that I knew him and he has inspired me more than anyone."


How often do you clean your bike?
"Well…not as often as I should do. I've been doing it more now that winter has arrived but probably still not as much as I should".


What music is on your headphones when warming up pre-race?
"I listen to an array of different music genres when warming up, I don’t really have a set play listen. I just listen to whatever I fancy at the time. If I had to chose a set playlist then it would include the likes of Eminem, The white stripes, Notorious BIG and Bring me the horizon. . My favourite artist would have to be Ben Howard, just a great artist with great songs. "

What was your favourite subject at school?
"Maths and science was my thing at school, I was no good at english, unlike my sister. But then again she wasn’t that great at maths or science."

Away from the bike how do you relax? What other hobbies, if any, do you have?
"I don’t really do much away from the bike, I like to read, I'm quite a fan of biographies. I'm currently in the middle of reading Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. Apart from that I'm quite into my music. I probably listen to music the majority of my free time, that’s where my phone battery goes."

Anybody you would like to mention?

"I would like to thank a few people that have helped me with my journey so far, first one goes out to Dave Harding that helped me massively when I first started cycling, second goes out to everyone that was at Eden Veranda, especially Chris Linney who helped me boost my confidence in cycling."

Downie will be riding the New Forest cc Boxing Day 10 mile time trial.

Primera-TeamJobs 2017
Jason Gault (Team Manager)
Matthew Downie
TJ Key
Alex Collins (j)
Edward Hatfied (j)
Mike Bradbury
Julian Lockwood

Dorset Miles, 'Tis the Season

The Victorians told us it should snow at Christmas, dear Greg Lake sold it to me better but instead it is just damp and a little bit chilly. A white Christmas? like England winning the world cup, not in my lifetime! Later, the traffic building for the AFC Bournemouth v Southampton premier league match is a sign from God perhaps that miracles do happen. Over to Bear Cross via Hurn & Longham then 5 of us head out to Corfe Mullen, Lytchett Matravers, Morden and on to Wareham.. The bare trees as lifeless as the air across Middlebeare Heath, the greasy road demanding attention. Left at Corfe Castle, Sandy Hill Lane is always fun, gravel, mud, sticks, stones and horse shit cover the narrow back road, Lined out, a good pace, then suddenly a nervous horse & rider, wheels lock as brakes are applied, speed is lost but i still have to bail out, luckily the hedge is soft, something to laugh about later. Little ring on the climb through Langton Matravers, up into the mist, the view of Corfe is denied us and the slick descent of Kingston keeps us cautious. Left at the Castle, through Church Knowle and the climb of Cocknowle, grippy but well behaved. Inattention and a tractor on the downhill nearly has me in the hedge again, something else to laugh about, my fault this time as well. Through East Creech, the climb of Stonehill Down to Creech is a conversation killer to say the least, grown men, heavy breathing, dribble, anywhere else........Fast now to Stoborough and back to Wareham. Two of us turn at Sandford, both of a similar vintage we smugly agree that the youngsters of today are too soft and have it all on a plate! This unarguable truth takes us to Morden and the same way back home, Lytchett and Pardys, blah, blah, blah. Around Hurn Airport, the aforementioned football traffic and a creative last 20 minutes gives me a satisfying total.

4hrs36 80.52 Miles