Rider journals 2020: introducing Joe Nally

In 2020 we are welcoming a new batch of riders to our rider journal series. We have picked six riders to give us an insight into Continental and elite level racing, at both home and abroad. So far, we have introduced Jacob Tipper,  Savannah Morgan and Joe Laverick. Our fourth rider is 20-year-old Scot Joe Nally…

After spending his first two seasons at under-23 level with the Great Britain Cycling Team Senior Academy, Joe Nally will move to Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK in 2020.

Leaving the team pursuit behind him, Nally will go ‘all in’ for the road next year. It is on the road that he has arguably had the majority of his success so far.

I’m keen to become established as one of the main riders to be watched in each [National Road Series] race

As junior he was a double stage winner at the Junior Tour of Wales and also finished 11th and 12th in successive editions of the junior Paris-Roubaix. In the under-23 ranks, he already has a Tour of Britain and a Tour de Yorkshire under his belt. And 11th in the Ryedale Grand Prix in 2018 and 9th in the Beaumont Trophy this year hint that he could be a serious contender in National Road Series races next season.

His first journal entry will be dropping in the new year. But before that, here’s a short Q&A to help you get acquainted with the talented young Scotsman…

How would you describe yourself as a rider?

I’d say that I’m a bit of an opportunist. I can often read a race well and pinpoint good moments to make a move. I find that I’m stronger towards the end of the race which pairs nicely with that and leads to strong attacks towards the end of a race. 

How would you rate your 2019 season out of 10? And why? 

I’m not sure I could stick a single number on the season. It was such a varied time for me with so many ups and downs that a rating wouldn’t show off the year accurately. In reality, I think I went through all the numbers between 1 and 10 at some point – it was a funny year, let’s just say that for now! I’m sure I’ll go more in-depth in some future journals.

Tell us a bit about your situation for 2020. What led to your move to Vitus Pro Cycling? Was there an option to stay at the Academy?

I made the decision in the winter to move away from the team pursuit after debating it with myself for quite a while. I wanted to focus fully on the road, and while the coaches were extremely supportive, it did mean that I wouldn’t be renewed at the end of the season. We spent a while looking around for a team for 2020 and Vitus was the clear favourite. Cherie [Pridham] was keen to start talking and we reached an agreement around September, before signing later on in October.

How will you be supporting yourself next year?

I’m back living at home with my parents so I’m going to be well-fed and I’ll always have a bed to sleep in. I’m lucky with Vitus that my expenses shouldn’t be massive so I’m going to be getting by on a few small sponsorship deals as well as athlete appearances and leftover funding from the Academy. There’s no pressing need for me to get a job currently, but later on down the line it might happen if I find the right fit.

What will your first race be?

Still to be confirmed. I’ll need to have a sit down with the team and talk over the calendar and personal goals so we can come up with a plan. I’m hoping for something low key to get me started and allow me to ease myself into the season.

What are your goals for 2020?

It seems like the domestic scene is wide open next year and along with my new teammates I’m keen to become established as one of the main riders to be watched in each race. Hopefully, I get the chance to race both the Tour de Yorkshire and the Tour of Britain, as they are races that I’m extremely motivated to perform in and show myself off to the wider cycling world.

Featured photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. 2019 Tour de Yorkshire Stage 3 Bridlington to Scarborough – England – The brief, Joseph Nally

Find out more

Joe on Twitter

Joe on Instagram