Is the first time you have had support from the DRF? (if not, how long have you been funded)

This will be the first time I am supported by the Dave Rayner Fund, an opportunity which I am extremely grateful for. It is a privilege to be riding under Dave Rayner’s name, and I wish to do my upmost to honour the funding through training hard and being successful in my racing.

What is your cycling history ? (how long have you been cycling?, who introduced you to cycling, which club are member of  in the UK?)

Cycling has played a big part in my family for many years with my Grandparents organising races in the 70’s such as pro crit in Norwich city centre, and my Dad racing for many years as an amateur. It has always been a part of my life with many of our family friends being cyclists themselves. I myself started cycling from a young age mainly enjoying watching the sport as well as partaking in local races. Although this became difficult during my years as a youth and junior rider, as the lack of racing in my area as well as the cost of travelling around the country made it hard to race. I had been part of a club called API-Metrow, a club owned and run by my Dad’s friend Andy Palmer. They gave me kit to race in and name to ride under which was invaluable as a young rider. I didn’t begin to take cycling seriously until the past year, as a promise once I had finished my A Levels to race in Belgium, became a reality. Before that I partook in a charity ride coast to coast, where I was reassured that getting up and riding my push bike everyday was what I wanted to do. Ever since then my love of the sport has grown, even more so when I went to Belgium to race, and experienced the highs and lows of racing full time. Once I was accepted into a local Belgium team and I pushed myself further than anyone had assumed in a short space of time, applying for funding became a real possibility. It has long been an ambition and dream to become a professional cyclist one which I hope to achieve with Dave Rayner funding.

What team are you joining in 2014? Tell us a bit about your team (any notable riders, famous DS anything like that)

I am riding this year for KWC Hiest Zuderkempen. A club rich in history and has had riders such as Jurgen Van den Broeck, Bjorn Leukemans and Sjef Dewilde in their ranks. It is a humble, traditional and very Flemish club. With team managers who have years of experience and solid advice. Being a local club they have a lot of support in the area. I look forward to what season holds with the team. I hope to live up to their expectations and ride well for the team itself.

Have they a website we can link to?       

http://www.kwheistzuiderkempen.be

What is your race programme looking like?

Lots of local races and some big interclub’s, which should be exciting and challenging. I hope to expand my race programme as much as possible; to experience all that cycling has to offer and to develop myself further as a rider.

Are you going on a training camp with the team?

Unfortunately not. My training takes place back home, in the vast countryside of North Norfolk, mainly by myself. I dream of the luxuries of training camps and good weather to train in. Although I like to think I revel in the harsh conditions of the English countryside.

When are you heading out to Europe/USA?

I am hoping to head a little before the season starts so I am in the routine of things, and I am as prepared as possible for my first race. I cannot wait to start a new season from the beginning with the backing of The Dave Rayner Fund and support from Ten-Eighty http://www.ten-eighty.co.uk/ and Pendras Ciclismo.

Tell us your FaceBook and Twitter names and any blogs or website links.

@CalvertJC – Twitter http://steezycycling.tumblr.com – Blog @calvertjameschurchill – Instagram Calvert Churchill - Facebook