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GB U23 riders on form ahead of Euros

5th July 2011

British Cycling's Academy Programme is reaping rewards of sterling performances from it's young riders and this passing weekend there were two more wins for Welshman Luke Rowe, ahead of next week's UEC European Road Championships in Offida, Italy.

Rowe secured victories in Zottegem on Sunday and Denderdwindeke on Monday with Jonny McEvoy also securing fourth and third place finishes respectively. The victories were a continuation of the form Rowe has shown this year with results that included fifth overall in March's Tour of Normandy and victory in the ZLM Tour in Holland and also the final stage of the Thuringen Rundfahrt in Germany last month.

Eric Rowsell, Tom Moses and fellow Euros selection Joe Perrett were also in action this weekend where Rowsell finished 11th in Het Nieuwsblad having recently finished third overall in the Tour of Berlin.  Both Rowsell (20) and Rowe (21) have been part of the Academy Squad who have consistently produced good results all year including 8th place in the time trial at Thuringen for Simon Yates which afforded him the accolade of best 18 year-old in the race.

In addition Andy Fenn won the last stage of the Tour of Brittany and was unlucky to finish 5th in Paris Roubaix after an untimely puncture in the final kilometres whilst in the leading quartet cost him the chance of victory.

Team Manager Keith Lambert has been delighted with the form of the Academy's riders ahead of the Euros. He said: "The squad have excelled in an extremely challenging programme this year and aided by some excellent coaching by Chris Newton we hope to continue the success in both road and track disciplines at the Europeans during July.and beyond."