British Cycling has today announced the fifteen riders who will represent the Great Britain Cycling Team at the UEC Cyclo-cross European Championships in Silvelle, Italy, on 10th November.
The reigning under-23 world champion Tom Pidcock has opted to ride up a category this season and will take to the start line in the elite field to race against Europe’s best elite male riders for the title. Ben Tulett, the reigning junior world champion, will make his debut European championships appearance in the under-23 men’s category, where he will compete alongside Cameron Mason, Thomas Mein and Ben Turner.
Hattie Harnden, Anna Kay and Katie Scott will represent Great Britain in the under-23 women’s events, while junior riders Corran Carrick-Anderson, Rory McGuire, Oli Stockwell and Simon Wyllie will compete in the men’s race and Millie Couzans, Anna Flynn and Josie Nelson in the inaugural junior women’s race.
Matt Ellis, Cyclo-cross Co-ordinator for the Great Britain Cycling Team said: “The team we are taking to the European championships this year is hugely competitive and we can expect to see them all challenging for the podium in their respective races.
“For the junior women in particular, this race is a big deal for them as it’s the first year they have their own separate category, so they are all excited for the race. In the junior men’s category, all four riders have done well on the domestic scene so far this season, so it’ll be good to see where they are at against international competition when they race in Italy.
“Anna Kay comes to the European Championships carrying good form having finished in third place in the elite women’s race at the Bern round of the world cup series, so she should put in a strong performance in the under-23 field. Similarly, Ben Turner and Thomas Mein have been showing really good form in their races this season so far, so it’ll be good to see what they can do out in Italy.
“Finally, it’s great to see Tom stepping up into the elite men’s category. He was physically very strong coming into the season, thanks to a successful season on the road where he won bronze in the world championships amongst other achievements, and technically he’s improving race by race. He’s already showing he’s in the mix for a medal at this level, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him get stuck in at the European championships.”
Tom Pidcock said: “Last season was brilliant for me, winning both the under-23 European and world titles, so this season I set myself the challenge to really push myself by riding against the elites. It’s certainly a step up, but I’m pleased with how my training and racing has been going and I’m really excited to have the support of a great team in TRINITY Racing. The hard work by all involved has given me extra incentive to perform.”
The Great Britain Cycling Team for the UEC Cyclo-cross European Championships, Silvelle:
Elite Men:
Tom Pidcock
U23 Men:
Cameron Mason
Thomas Mein
Ben Turner
Ben Tulett
U23 Women:
Hattie Harnden
Anna Kay
Katie Scott
Junior Men:
Corran Carrick-Anderson
Rory McGuire
Oli Stockwell
Simon Wyllie
Junior Women:
Millie Couzans
Anna Flynn
Josie Nelson
