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This weekend, Jon Mould will make his debut in the 2013 Tour of Britain for Team UK Youth and relishes the opportunity to race on home soil for eight days.
Newport's Jon Mould sealed his place in the Team UK Youth squad with his overall win in the Tour of Jamtland, Sweden in August.
“I’ve had a fairly good season on the road this year with Team UK Youth. The team set-up works well and I’ve had more success on the road this year. Riding the Tour Series was a great experience, and I won a round in Colchester.
There’s a lot of competition for places in the UK Youth squad, so to get in the team is an achievement. I think my results in Sweden helped me get in. I’m really looking forward to racing across Britain; the Tour was one of my main aims for this year.”
Back in 2012, Mould could be spotted on the side of Caerphilly Mountain showing support for fellow Welshman and Team Sky rider Luke Rowe, in a rather festive looking outfit. This year will be a little different as he will be in the Team UK Youth colours, competing against the best in the world.
“There is a strong field, with a lot of quality pro-riders like Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and Nairo Quintana; it will be a good experience to ride against them. The team is looking to be active in the race, maybe a stage win – if there are any bunch sprints they’ll be for Chris Opie.”
Jon isn’t the only Welsh rider in the Team UK Youth squad; he is joined by Rob Partridge from Wrexham and Yanto Barker who grew up in Machynlleth, the start venue for stage five of the 2013 Tour of Britain.
“I’m looking forward to stage five, with the finish in Caerphilly outside the castle, and being able to compete on home soil. We may have a competition between us for the top Welsh rider!
I hope all the locals can make it to the mountain and show their support – fancy dress is optional!”
Earlier in the summer, Jon won the Welsh Road Race Championships in Radnorshire, so is no stranger to the roads of Wales and can regularly be seen training around South Wales, or on the boards in the Newport Velodrome.
“After the Tour of Britain, I’ll be straight up to track nationals for my second season with Team USN. Then it will be on to the Track World Cup series, and working towards a place in the Team Wales squad at the Commonwealth Games.”
Team UK Youth represent UK Youth, a leading national youth work charity, in this year’s Tour of Britain. For over 100 years the British charity has supported young people to realise their potential helping over 750,000 youths.
The Tour of Britain begins on Sunday 15 September in Peebles, with live blogging throughout every stage on the British Cycling website at www.britishcycling.org.uk/toblive and daily live TV coverage on ITV4.
