Is the first time you have had support from the Dave Rayner Fund?
Yes
What is your cycling history?
I first started mountain biking with my Dad on weekends when I was 16 and living in Portugal, but only got into cycling more seriously when I moved to the UK for university. 2 years ago, I decided to focus more on the road side of the sport, and was lucky enough to get a spot on the Wheelbase team. I'm currently a proud member of the Bath University Cycling Club, the Carlsberg of uni cycling clubs.
What team are you joining?
I will be joining the team Terra Safety Shoes in Belgium for the 2014 season. This is a team which has taken on and developed a number of riders from the UK in the past. This season, the team includes 15 foreign riders, from the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, quite a multicultural bunch.
What is your race programme looking like?
The season kicks off with one day classics and interclubs within Belgium. Summer will hopefully include a few stage races over in France. Last year the team rode the Tour du Pays Savoie, a race I'd really like to experience. In addition to the team races, there will be the usual diet of Kermesse races to get suck into.
Are you going on a training camp with the team?
Not with the team, but I'm going to be spending February in Girona, taking advantage of the weather and climbs.
When are you heading out to Europe/USA?
Heading to Spain in February and then over to Belgium in March