For the first time ever the Welsh Racing Academy will be heading to the notoriously tough Tour of Bretagne as they look to pick their wits against top development teams and Pro Continental teams.

The race which is in its 53rd edition has always been known for its tough and undulating terrain. On offer is 1159km of riding over seven days around the north-west region of France, starting with the Grand Depart at Lorient. 

Last year, Fabien Schmidt took home the overall win, and previous winners have included the likes of Janse Van Rensburg Reinardt (Dimension-Data) who has gone on to compete at World Tour level.

Speaking about the huge opportunity for his young squad, academy head coach, Rob Partridge said: "It will be great to see the guys get stuck in and experience all they can."

"What I'd like to see from the riders during the race is keeping on top of all the basics - good positioning, using their heads, sticking together as a unit and near the front. Really gaining as much experience from it as possible," he continued.

With development and under-23 teams such as Dimension-Data, Astana City, Team Sunweb U23, Lotto Soudal U23 and Groupama FDJ present, the fight for honours will be hugely competitive. But Partridge believes his team can acheive something.

"I think we've got a few options in terms of achieving something from the race," Partridge said. "I'd like us to be present in the breakaways, to be competitive in the bunch sprints and go for a jersey."

Academy rider Pete Kibble said: "I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into the think end of things, up against some of the best development and continental teams in the world."

For James Tillett, having the opportunity at a race of this calibre is priceless as he looks to improve. "I'm going into this race optimistic as I think this kind of racing suits me," he said.

"I'm looking forward to what I can do over the course of the next seven days. It will be one of the biggest tests of my career so far but I'm really excited by it," said the xx year-old.

Welsh Racing Academy Tour of Bretagne squad

• Pete Kibble
• James Tillett
• Sam Tillett
• Josh Price
• Will Roberts
• Joe Beckingsale