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

I have previously been supported by the Dave Rayner fund for the summer of 2016. It’s a great feeling to be on the fund, along side the great names that have previously been on it.

 What is your cycling history ? 

I’ve always enjoyed cycling from a young age; I would ride to school and do the odd ride with my mates. I got into the sport competitively in 2015 at the age of 17 under the guidance of Audlem cycling club and have been hooked ever since. After finishing college I wanted to pursue cycling more. I continued the first part of the 2016 season with Audlem CC they helped me participate in my first UCI race during my time in the UK before moving to Belgium at the end of May for 4 months with the Handi-ness organization. I progressed to a Belgian team after being there for a few weeks; this then allowed me to compete in numerous Interclubs and a Stage race. The style of racing is great and I’ve learnt so much over there. I hope to further progress this season with the support of the fund and my new team.

 What team are you joining in 2017?

For the 2017 season I will be joining Vetrapo cycling team.

 What is your race programme looking like?

The team is targeting the BVB series (Belgian cup) but will also be riding a variety of Interclubs and also a stage race.

Tell us a bit about your team.

They are team based in the east Flanders region of Belgium. They have been around for a while now with sponsors changing over the years but still run by the same people. The team is organized, has a close-knit group and has a good vibe about it, which is always a good confidence booster.

 What are the details of the team Website/FaceBook/ Twitter and Instagram that we can link to?

https://www.facebook.com/Smartphotocyclingteam/

 Where are you going to live?

This year I will be living in Laarne, sharing a house with my teammate Thomas Brayan-lund from Denmark.

 What bike will you be riding and who supplies the team kit?

Doltcini Supply the clothing and Scott supply the helmets for the team.

 Do you have any other interests outside of cycling?

I don’t have a lot of interests out side of Cycling, but I like thinking of new ideas and creating things, I have an old SLR film camera I like to use occasionally.

 What are your Twitter and Instagram  names and any website or blog links.

 Twitter - @jameswilki97

 Instagram - @wilkibarkid