The Scott Contessa Epic cycling team has revealed a host of new riders for its 2013 squad.

The outfit was formed in 2011 with eight junior riders on the squad for the 2012 road season, securing victory in the National Women’s Team Series in their first year.

An expanded 2013 race team line-up is now complete, with a 10 strong line-up for the 2013 season retaining talented juniors from last year and introducing some exciting new riders, both junior and senior, to add even further strength and depth to the team, with the ethos of the team remaining very much on a blend of rider development, promotion of positive values and women’s racing.

The team have also appointed Alan Gornall, Commonwealth gold medallist and well respected former professional cyclist, as Directeur Sportif for the coming season.

“It is an honour to be involved with some of the best young female cyclists in the UK and having spent the launch day with the riders I am very excited about next season.”

Scott Contessa Epic Directeur Sportif Alan Gornall

“It is an honour to be involved with some of the best young female cyclists in the UK and having spent the launch day with the riders I am very excited about next season,” Gornall said.

“My wife Sue and I have been involved with cycling at every level both in the UK and internationally and the future of our sport looks very promising.

Phil Weaver of Epic Cycles added: “Both Scott UK and Epic Cycles are very proud to be part of the team and more importantly the development of its riders. Four girls moved up to the next level of cycling and we are proud to have been part of their development as riders.

“With three girls now full time with the Great Britain academy and one focusing on UCI events in Europe, I feel we have every right to be proud and we will endeavour to do all we can in supporting the future of women’s cycle racing. I know that the 10 riders we have for the coming season perfectly match the team ethos, which, as we have proven, will ultimately lead to success.”

New appointments to the team

Crystal Lane, Paralympic Cyclist and London 2012 Great Britain cyclists
Laura Wasley, TT specialist, IoM Commonwealth/Island Games hopeful
Alice Barnes, National MTB Junior Champion Great Britain ODP rider
Kim English, 1st Year junior former National Champion
Beth Hayward, 1st year junior and Great Britain OPD Track and Road rider
Amy Gornall, 1st year junior, road race and hill climb specialist

Last season’s riders staying on

Emily Kay, Multi-National track champ, Great Britain OPD and 2012 world road race rider
Rebecca Hunt, 2nd year junior track and road all rounder
Anna Christian, 2nd year junior road and time trial specialist
Zoe Armstrong, 2nd year junior road, circuit racing and cyclo cross