British Cycling has today confirmed the riders who will take to the start line in Great Britain colours at both the Tour de Yorkshire, taking place from 2nd – 5th May, and the Asda Tour de Yorkshire Women’s Race, from 3rd – 4th May.
UCI World Tour rider Dan McLay will be joined by 2018 team pursuit world champion Ethan Hayter, plus senior academy riders Jim Brown, Joe Nally and Will Tidball. Mountain biker Sean Flynn and cyclo-cross rider Ben Turner complete the line-up.
The British National Champion’s jersey will be on display within the Great Britain Cycling Team in the women’s race, thanks to Jess Roberts’ inclusion in the squad. Roberts will be joined by fellow senior academy riders Rhona Callander and Anna Docherty plus guest riders Dani Christmas, Lauren Dolan and Nikki Juniper.
Performance Director Stephen Park said: “The Tour de Yorkshire and the Asda Tour de Yorkshire Women’s Race are both important races on our endurance squads’ calendars as it allows our senior academy riders to race alongside and against the world’s best which is essential for their development.
“For the men, this year’s event coincides with L’Etoile d’Or round of the Nations’ Cup, in which Great Britain are currently third in the overall rankings, so the senior academy squad will split to contest both races. In Yorkshire, we will have Jim, Joe and Will with Matt Brammeier and Ben Greenwood in the Directeur Sportif roles. Joe rode at the Tour of Britain last year, so it’s an opportunity for him to build on that, while this will be Jim and Will’s first stage race at this level so there will be plenty for them to learn throughout the four days.
“I’m really pleased we’ll have Dan McLay racing for the team, his inclusion will allow the younger riders an opportunity to work for a world-class sprinter on the stages set to finish in a bunch sprint.
“Ethan had a great season on the road last year, and it was a proud moment for his teammates and support staff to see him in Team Sky colours during his time as a stagiaire for them. The Tour de Yorkshire is a great opportunity for him to build on this progress. I’m delighted to see Sean Flynn from the mountain bike programme named on the team, as this high-level road race fits in nicely with his development plans and similarly it’s great to be able to give Yorkshireman Ben Turner an opportunity to race at this level on the road to support his development and cyclo-cross ambitions.
“The senior academy women’s endurance squad are back from a ten-week block in Belgium in which they’ve enjoyed successes at local kermesse races. I’ll be looking for Rhona, Anna and Jess to take confidence from their performances out in Belgium and to apply what they’ve learned to this race.
“In a similar situation to the men’s team, it’s great to be able to have the experience of Dani and Nikki within the squad to provide developmental opportunities to our academy riders, and I’m delighted to be able to welcome Lauren Dolan back to the squad.
“I know all the riders are looking forward to racing in the British jersey on British roads, and we can expect some good performances in each of the races.”
Teams
Great Britain Cycling Team for the Tour de Yorkshire:
Jim Brown
Sean Flynn
Ethan Hayter
Dan McLay
Joe Nally
Will Tidball
Ben Turner
Great Britain Cycling Team for the Asda Tour de Yorkshire Women’s Race:
Rhona Callander
Dani Christmas
Anna Docherty
Lauren Dolan
Nikki Juniper
Jess Roberts
