Audlem Cycling Club Race Team

Last Saturday, 22nd February, Audlem Cycling Club launched its Road Race Team for the 2014 season.

This is a quality team which is expected to dominate the road racing scene in the North Western region and will feature significantly in UK national events. The team, managed by Audlem CC member Eric Wilkinson consists of an 'Elite' and 'Development' section.

The 'Elite' team has a blend of experience and youth, with Richard Wilkinson (a former UK top ten rider with numerous notable race wins to his credit) leading the team, supported by Mike Harrison, again a rider of notable success – having previously won the European 'Masters' road race championship and in 2012 was third in the World 'Masters' road race.

Young talent is prominent in the form of Todd Hotchkiss – at only 21 years old, is a first category rider, with numerous recent race wins and genuine potential of gaining a place in the British under 23 squad.

Alex Jones is another, rapidly improving young rider and can hold his own in the best of races. The foursome form a formidable team.

The 'Development' team consisting of five riders:- Paul Woodrow, James Chamberlin, John Backhouse, Rob Lockhart and Ryan Forster are undoubtedly a very strong support team and will also be in strong contention for local honours.

Aspirations

Audlem Cycling Club sees this as a clear indication of the future aspirations and development of the Club and hopes the team's success will provide local interest and attract new young riders into the sport – the Club providing the perfect platform for their individual development.

• Richard Wilkinson (Team leader) – a former Elite category rider with Rapha Condor, Science in Sport RT, Wilier/Sport Beans and ProBikeKit Teams. He has numerous prestigious race wins to his credit and at one time ranked in the top ten in the country.
• Mike Harrison – a former Pro team rider with Sigma Sport – winner in the premier calender series and European Masters Road Race Champion, Masters Hill Climb and several European tour wins.
• Alex Jones – a young rider who recently won the Great Orme Road Race and is an excellent time trialist, strong cyclocross rider and is rapidly improving on the road race scene.
• Todd Hotchkiss – A rapidly improving rider – still only 21, but progressed from 4th to 1st category status in 2 seasons with numerous race wins to his credit last season and some solid performances in Premier Calendar events – has potential for a great future.

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