Is the first time you have had support from the Dave Rayner Fund?

No, I was supported by the fund in 2015.

What is your cycling history ?

I began racing my bike as a junior, starting out with time-trials and a few local road races and criteriums. I soon realised I wanted to pursue a career in the sport and after spending my first two years as an U23 racing domestically with trips to Belgium in the Summer, I decided to spend the whole season there in 2015. I gained some good experience last year racing for a Belgian team and am hoping to use what I learnt to win races in 2016 and make a step up to the next level.

What team are you joining in 2016?

In 2016 I’m racing for Goma Dakwerken VDB Steenhouwerij Cycling Team.

Tell us a bit about your team.

They’re a BVB team with their base being in Parike, located in the Flemish region. The manager dedicates 100% of his time to the team so everything from the team camp and team launch to the calendar and materials are already in place. He’s also signed Kevin Van Impe for this season which is great for the younger guys like myself as he’s someone who can share his knowledge having raced for Lotto and QuickStep and also win big races for the team.

Have they a website/FaceBook or Twitter we can link to?

https://www.facebook.com/ictparike/?fref=ts

What is your race programme looking like?

The team race program is made up of the BVB series (Belgian Cup), other interclubs, a few Belgian stage races and a few races in France. I’ll also be heading back to the UK at the end of June for the British National Championships.

Where are you going to live?

I’m living in Ottenburg again this season, located right on the Flanders/Wallon boarder in the Vlaams Brabant region.

Your Twitter name and any website or blog links.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bracey94
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tom.bracegirdle.5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bracey94/
Blog: http://tombracegirdle.blogspot.be/