2017 will see the inaugural Racing Chance Junior Academy. The squad comprises two second year juniors and two first year juniors, all of whom will be racing together and training together as much as possible.
This year’s riders are Rebecca Gregson, Corinne Side, Katie Helsby and Charlotte Waddington:
(c) Lorna Side
The squad will be run by the Racing Chance Foundation’s Chair of Trustees, Heather Bamforth, and will be supported by an experienced team behind the scenes, as well as having support from CyclingShorts.cc. The riders are also members of the Racing Chance Foundation cycling club, which continues into its third season in 2017.
(c) Lorna Side
Speaking about the background to the squad, Heather said “I firmly believe that building a rider’s confidence on the bike is key to their future success, both on and off the bike. The reason why I have set up the Junior Academy is to facilitate that confidence in a team environment. The squad is a team of young women who all have aspirations of future careers outside of cycling. Whilst we will help them to be as successful as possible on the bike (largely through the wealth of racing experience their support team has), they are all at an important stage in their respective education and we will ensure that their education is put first.”
The squad will be competing in track, road and time trials, although their race programme includes time out towards May and June whilst they sit exams.
NOTE
The Racing Chance Foundation is a charity registered in England and Wales. The club will be promoting six races in 2017, including a time trial. Membership of the club is open to all.