Saint Piran WRT go to the Tour Series!

At the start of the 2021 season we made our desire to enter a women’s team into the Tour Series known. It was a clear target for us and a fantastic opportunity not only for the team in our debut year but also for the individual riders.

The Tour Series is renowned for its fast-paced action, the opportunity for riders to race around city centres with crowds lining the streets and the incredible atmosphere that this brings. It also offers the chance to be seen by the wider public not just in person but via the highlights shown on ITV4.

Entry to this iconic event is via invite only, and we were delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to field a team. At the time we had a strong group of riders with mixed experience, but racing was going well and we were all raring to go. Sadly the final weeks up to the start didn’t quite go to plan! Unfortunately Christina was involved in an accident while on a ride and Gemma went down with shingles. With two of our top riders out of action, the race was on just to find some replacements. This was a challenge, but we were delighted to find Emily and Rachel, both of whom joined us for all 3 rounds and fitted in perfectly. They will both ride for us for the remainder of the season and we can’t wait to see them at some upcoming races.

Due to restrictions and complications around Covid, we have had to miss out on opportunities for training camps together. So the Tour Series was the first opportunity for the team to get together properly, to socialise, ride bikes, race and go through all of the emotions that all brings, together. This also gave us the opportunity to discuss aims and aspirations for the Tour Series. We knew going for a team result would be a tall order, since a lot of well established teams had entered. Our lack of experience led us to focus on our riders as individuals, ensuring they got the most from their experience and gained something from each round, no matter how big or insignificant it may seem.

Lucia was our only rider to have experienced this event previously, and with higher finishing position at each progressive round, we were delighted with her performance and work ethic.

Bexy had a goal of a top-20 finish. This year was her first experience of the Tour Series, and like everyone else, we suggested that she ride Round One purely for the experience, to get a feel for how the races were ridden, settle the nerves and set a target for Round Two. Bexy had a couple of great rides at Sunderland and Castle Douglas, finishing 17th at both!

Evie was also experiencing her first Tour Series, With her MTB background, we knew technical circuits would suit her more and Round One definitely showed this. A technical course and plenty of corners meant a happy Evie! Round Two wasn’t a circuit suited to Evie’s strengths, but we are delighted with her determination to go again at Round Three and build her confidence.

Emily joined us for all three rounds. She fitted in perfectly, considering none of us had met. Again, Round One was a learning curve, and from there Emily settled into the races well, working with and for her new teammates whilst improving on her own results.

And finally, Rachel, also new to the team but with a great ‘let’s get on with this’ attitude. Rachel had consistent results across all three rounds and proved herself to be a strong and developing rider with an exciting future.
We also have to mention Gemma and Christina who both gave up their time to support teammates despite not being able to race themselves.

All in all, a resounding success. Everyone gained something, had fun, improved on their performances and we couldn’t have asked any more from any of them. Team manager Jenny says:

“‘I’m so incredibly proud of each and every one of our riders. They all raced hard and developed as individuals. Watching them all lining up at the start, racing and then crossing that finish line definitely had me welling up.”

We have to say a huge thank you to the organisers at SweetSpot for giving us the opportunity to take part in their event. We loved every minute of it.

Our riders have enjoyed a much deserved rest and are now ready to go again!.This weekend sees Gemma, Christina and Bexy at Ryedale and we wish them the best of luck.