How did your race team come together?

It is a direct development for probably the UK’s most successful CX team, Hargroves, later Hargoves Montezuam’s.  With new funding, we decided to re-structure and re-focus the team on junior and U23 development.

What’s the core mission or mindset that drives you as a group?

The team is designed specifically to support the best U23 and junior domestic CX riders so they can fulfill their potential, gain experience in UCI races, and ideally move towards professional careers with bigger European teams.

What disciplines do you focus on and why those?

Only CX.  We are specialists and believe in the credentials of CX as the finest platform to develop the best riders.

How does your team stand out on the start line?

The team brand is strong, and the support is second to none.

What’s a typical training week like for the team?

All riders have individual coaches so their plans vary depending on target races and their training and developmental ages.  In the CX season the week will include specific effort sessions on the CX bike to balance the physical and technical demands in one place, gym work and off-course road riding.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for race season?

The team has a psychologist who works with riders from time to time, while the coaches will work with our team calendar to ensure we prioritise the season.

What have been some standout results or breakthrough moments?

We are 1/3rd of the way through the season, and already ALL our riders have achieved national and international UCI podiums, while two riders have been selected for GB at the European Champs.

How do you define success beyond the podium?

The riders retain involvement in a sport for life, gain great enjoyment from their sport and team, and ultimately their time in sport becomes a small part of making them better citizens and compassionate people.