Yes

 I rode to and from school religiously as a kid, come rain or snow on an old Raleigh. My Dad took me to the local Club 10 when I was 15, it turned out the 6 mile commute had done more than just convince my class mates I was crazy. I joined Lewes Wanderers CC and it spiralled on from there.

 I’ve joined Astellas cycling team, based in Chicago, Illinois. That’s where the US branch of ‘Astellas’, a Japanese pharmaceutical company and title sponsor of the team, is based. They’ve got an exciting ethos, masterminded by an ambitious nonprofit management team. It will be their second year at UCI continental level, and this year will be helping one other 18 year old and myself develop with guidance from some of the older more well established riders.

 It is focused around the NRC (national road circuit) and parts of the UCI America tour. So mainly stateside plus Canada. It will be my first time in the states so a slightly scary prospect! There is also a stint in Europe planned for July/August. Our first big target for the team is the Redlands Bicycle Classic in early April.

 We will spend 10 days together training in Southern California after our first stage race in late March. Here we’ll polish up for Redlands. But apart from that everyone has organised their own winter’s training. I’ve based myself in Sydney, Australia with some family and friends. Something I’ve always dreamed of doing after finishing college. It’s been perfect training in the sun and a nice change to slogging out the wet and windy miles back home.

 I’ll have one month back in the UK before leaving for USA mid-March.