Composite squad of domestic talent gears up for French campaign
For the third season running, Phill Maddocks takes a talented squad of domestic riders to France, on the hunt for race success and contracts with top elite teams
A squad comprised of the domestic scene’s most promising talents is set to kick off a racing block tomorrow (Saturday, 3 August), with the objective of empowering British riders to land contracts with leading French elite teams.
Over the past two years, Phill Maddocks, from Loughborough Performance Coaching, has been dedicated to providing opportunities for domestic riders to showcase their talents on the French cycling scene. Maddocks, with the backing of British Cycling East Midlands, has spearheaded trips to France with a squad of promising riders from the domestic scene. With the first two trips a resounding success, Maddocks is about to embark on a third trip with another talented set of hopefuls, one that could be his composite team’s hardest challenge yet.
Early success
What began as a modest venture with a trio of riders in 2022 has blossomed into a robust squad of six for the 2024 campaign. These trips have not only yielded victories but also opened doors. Maddocks’ teams have have taken several victories. Ben Chilton was a winner at the 2023 Ronde Finistérienne, for example, and Joe Brookes took victory in an Elite Nationale, both races propelling the riders to contracts with prestigious elite teams in France.
Ben Chilton winning last season. Image: Amandine Coz
The 2024 squad
This month Maddocks embarks on another challenging expedition, taking six top domestic riders to France for a tour that will feature six races in 11 days. The squad, a mix of emerging and seasoned talent, includes:
Ben Marsh (Project1): a first-year under-23 rider, who clinched the Junior CiCLE Classic in 2023 and finished second at the Jock Wadley Memorial Road Race in March
Edward Morgan (Spectra Racing): The current BUCS road race champion.
Joseph Smith (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli): a young riders who has accumulated six top tens in Nat B road races this season
Toby Barnes (Spectra Racing): cyclocross specialist and the recent victor of the Sheffield Grand Prix.
Matthew Lord (Richardsons Trek DAS): a stage winner at the 2024 CAMS Ronde van Wymeswold.
Finn McHenry (The Cycling Academy): 20-year-old who turned heads with his 4th place finish at the Lancaster Grand Prix last weekend.
Maddocks takes pride in the geographical diversity of his squad, representing regions such as East Midlands, West Midlands, Wales, Scotland, East, and North West. “It’s not just about supporting East Midlands riders,” Maddocks emphasises. “This initiative is about providing opportunities across the domestic scene, creating a platform for talent from all corners of the country.”
The squad features a strategic blend of youth and experience, with under-23 riders Marsh, Smith, Lord, and McHenry balanced by the seasoned prowess of Barnes and Morgan.
The race schedule
The team’s itinerary includes:
Challenge Mayennais – Montsurs (Elite Nationale) – Saturday, 3rd August
Challenge Mayennais – St Germain D’Anxure (Elite Nationale) – Sunday, 4th August
Challenge Mayennais – Fougerolles Du Plessis (Elite Nationale) – Monday, 5th August
Ronde Finisterienne – Lorient (Toutes Cat) – Friday, 9th August
Ronde Finisterienne – Sizun (Toutes Cat) – Sunday, 11th August
GP de la Saint Laurent (Elite Nationale) – Tuesday, 13th August
Facing an arduous series of races, Maddocks acknowledges the stiff competition ahead. “This is arguably the hardest set of races we have entered over the three years, with top Division 1 teams like Paris, Rouen, and Dinan attending. However, this also provides an even better chance for our riders to secure contracts with top-tier French teams,” he explains.
Contract opportunities
With a slew of meetings lined up with sports directors from DN1 and DN2 teams, Maddocks believes this trip offers unparalleled opportunities for direct engagement with prospective teams. “The chance for riders to directly meet with prospective new teams is better than ever, giving them a boost over other riders who may just have email contact,” he explains.
“We’ll be hoping for both individual and team success of course, but the best indication of success may not come until later in the year once contract talks have concluded,” he notes, highlighting the long-term potential of these efforts.
A squad comprised of the domestic scene’s most promising talents is set to kick off a racing block tomorrow (Saturday, 3 August), with the objective of empowering British riders to land contracts with leading French elite teams.
Over the past two years, Phill Maddocks, from Loughborough Performance Coaching, has been dedicated to providing opportunities for domestic riders to showcase their talents on the French cycling scene. Maddocks, with the backing of British Cycling East Midlands, has spearheaded trips to France with a squad of promising riders from the domestic scene. With the first two trips a resounding success, Maddocks is about to embark on a third trip with another talented set of hopefuls, one that could be his composite team’s hardest challenge yet.
Early success
What began as a modest venture with a trio of riders in 2022 has blossomed into a robust squad of six for the 2024 campaign. These trips have not only yielded victories but also opened doors. Maddocks’ teams have have taken several victories. Ben Chilton was a winner at the 2023 Ronde Finistérienne, for example, and Joe Brookes took victory in an Elite Nationale, both races propelling the riders to contracts with prestigious elite teams in France.
The 2024 squad
This month Maddocks embarks on another challenging expedition, taking six top domestic riders to France for a tour that will feature six races in 11 days. The squad, a mix of emerging and seasoned talent, includes:
Maddocks takes pride in the geographical diversity of his squad, representing regions such as East Midlands, West Midlands, Wales, Scotland, East, and North West. “It’s not just about supporting East Midlands riders,” Maddocks emphasises. “This initiative is about providing opportunities across the domestic scene, creating a platform for talent from all corners of the country.”
The squad features a strategic blend of youth and experience, with under-23 riders Marsh, Smith, Lord, and McHenry balanced by the seasoned prowess of Barnes and Morgan.
The race schedule
The team’s itinerary includes:
Facing an arduous series of races, Maddocks acknowledges the stiff competition ahead. “This is arguably the hardest set of races we have entered over the three years, with top Division 1 teams like Paris, Rouen, and Dinan attending. However, this also provides an even better chance for our riders to secure contracts with top-tier French teams,” he explains.
Contract opportunities
With a slew of meetings lined up with sports directors from DN1 and DN2 teams, Maddocks believes this trip offers unparalleled opportunities for direct engagement with prospective teams. “The chance for riders to directly meet with prospective new teams is better than ever, giving them a boost over other riders who may just have email contact,” he explains.
“We’ll be hoping for both individual and team success of course, but the best indication of success may not come until later in the year once contract talks have concluded,” he notes, highlighting the long-term potential of these efforts.
Featured image: SWpix.com
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