Select a region
Cyclist James McLaughlin is joining a new cycling team that has ‘absolute belief’ in him and given him freedom to chase results in big races.
The cyclist has secured a move to Austrian-based team Hrinkow Advarics for 2017 as he looks to build on a successful season at Team Felbermayr Simplon Wels, where he held a support role for their established leaders and achieved a number of podium finishes.
The 25-year-old will also continue to be supported by stockbroking and investment management company Ravenscroft, as he aims to push for a place in cycling’s World Tour.
‘Hrinkow made me the best proposal for many reasons, but most importantly had absolute belief in my ability, which gives me a lot of confidence going into such an important year in my career. Having the freedom in the big races means I can fight for results that will allow me to make that step up to World Tour, which is my ambition,’ said James.
‘I am very appreciative for the support and belief the team at Ravenscroft has shown in me. They have such passion for sport and this highly motivates me both on and off the bike, not only to give them everything I have in my racing and preparation, but also to be a good and respectful ambassador to their brand.’
Jon Ravenscroft, group CEO at Ravenscroft said: ‘James is a real inspiration to aspiring sportsmen and women across the Channel Islands and we’re really proud to work with him as he steps up a gear in his professional cycling career; not only that he is a really decent grounded young man.’
James said the highlight of 2016 was being part of an internationally well-respected team that allowed him to ride in important races and develop professionally.
‘Along the way, I picked up three podiums in Austrian Cup races as well as fourth in Grand Prix Kranj, in Slovenia, which is a one-day race on the UCI Europe Tour circuit,’ he said.
Looking ahead to the next 18 months, the former Elizabeth College pupil is focused on forging ahead with his professional career, winning the British Time Trial Championships and a medal for Guernsey at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
‘For my team, my objective is to win stages and place highly in the general classification in our home race Tour of Austria and other major tours. Individually, injury and logistical problems have stopped me entering the British time trials for a few years, so fighting for a championship jersey is important,’ he said.
‘Looking ahead to The Commonwealth Games, that is the pinnacle of island sport so it means a lot to me to be able to represent Guernsey at this level and I’m aiming to finish on the podium and bring home a medal.’
He also expressed pride in how the Guernsey cycling team that he established three years ago primarily to help ambitious juniors go away with experienced racers to accelerate their development is coming along.
‘The Island Games are the biggest focus of Team Morgan Sharpe p/b Adventure Cycles, and I know the structure will be important for helping to bring together the team that represents Guernsey next year in Gotland. Seeing how it's improved since I set it up, with riders also taking responsibility for the smooth running of the team is something which I am very proud of,’ said James.
In the meantime, the cyclist is continuing to train with plans to be in Guernsey until the end of the year before heading to Mallorca in January when his regime will increase from around 25 hours a week to 35 hours a week, plus the gym.
