2019 team preview: SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling

SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling is one of the new kids on the British Continental block this season. Built with staff and riders from the now-closed elite-level Team KTM, SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling has announced a 14-man roster for 2019, including former WorldTour rider James Shaw, ex-JLT-Condor climber Ed Laverack, Jacob Scott and Pete Williams from One Pro Cycling and Isaac Mundy from Madison Genesis. Julian Varley, winner of Stage 7 of the Ras in 2018, is one of four riders from Team KTM.

This preview provides you with key facts about the team and a comprehensive list of who is in the squad and who is out. It also features the verdict on the team from our newly signed British Conti Insider…

They could be the surprise of 2019 or they could fizzle out by mid-season, but I hope for everyone’s sake they are a success
British Conti Insider

James Shaw and Rod Annet (4iiii) at the team launch.
Photo: Carolyn Nelson (@photography_PCS)

Key facts and figures

2019 kit

Image: SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling

It will be a steep learning curve for some of the team, less so for others, but with some realistic targets I feel the team should do well, and could see selection for Yorkshire

Verdict: the British Conti Insider’s view

Our ‘British Conti insider’ is an active DS with experience in the UK and abroad. Here is their verdict on the 2019 SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling squad.

OK, I freely admit this team has me stumped! They could be the surprise of 2019 or they could fizzle out by mid-season, but I hope for everyone’s sake they are a success. From the ashes of Team KTM, Paul Lamb has been true to his word and taken the team to Continental level. A few of the original KTM riders have been retained, but it is the new signings that bolster the team’s strength and chances of success. I’m particularly pleased to see Pete Williams get a ride after it was looking like he’d have to hang up the wheels. Pete brings a wealth of experience to the team, and both riders and management alike would be wise to listen to his advice and knowledge. I see him as a very capable team captain, leading talents such as James Shaw, Jacob Scott, Isaac Mundy, and Ed Laverack around some of the hillier races, and being able to call the shots for sprinters like Will Fox, Stephen Bradbury, and the unfortunately accident-prone George Wood in the Tour Series and other criteriums.

The late signing of James Shaw should surely prick some ears up. The lad can win bike races, and frankly needs to this year to step back up to higher ranks. Expect strong performances from James all season. Julian Varley is a rider that deserves a mention with a stage win and a commendable sixth on GC at last year’s Ras. Again, rubbing shoulders with Williams and Shaw will be a good thing for his development.

SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling should have representation at the very highest level of competition with the inclusion of Will Bjergfledt. The para-cyclist will be focusing on selection, and perhaps medal contention at the 2020 Olympics, and whilst it’s a long shot one can only wish him all the best. Will’s determination has seen him compete at a decent level year-in year-out, doggedly chasing the illusive professional contract. At the ripe age of 40, arguably he’s made it. Isaac Mundy is a mercurial rider that is able to climb with the front group, and at times the best in the country, but is also able to win criteriums, kermesses and turn his hand to all aspects of the sport very impressively. If he doesn’t win big this season I’ll be very surprised. He’s joined by another Madison Genesis alumnus in Tristan Robbins, who promised much having won the National junior road championships, but to date has failed to consolidate on that promise. At 22, this year is surely make or break for Tristan.

The team has secured some early-season invites to UCI level races abroad, and will be vying for Tour de Yorkshire selection, as despite having a Portuguese sponsor, team owner Paul Lamb is based in Yorkshire and will be keen to put on a good show. Paul will need to show strong leadership as team manager/DS this year as a diverse team such as his can easily go awry.

It will be a steep learning curve for some of the team, less so for others, but with some realistic targets, I feel the team should do well, and could see selection for Yorkshire. I wish them well and I truly hope the sponsors commit to a multi-year deal. I have seen far too many teams come and go after a single year and it is detrimental to the sport in general. A few wins should secure interest, so fingers crossed.