Beginning with a bang – a journey to Overijse

 

It started with a simple idea. Give young riders the opportunity to compete with some of the continent’s best talents, and a race weekend that they learn from, enjoy, and provide a positive experience that lights a spark that will see them feeling confident about competing abroad in the future.

 

Thanks to the wonderful support of #RideForCharlie, EvoDevo brought 10 riders to the opening round of the premiere Superprestige in Overijse – a testing ground for some of Europe’s top CX riders and a brilliant opportunity for our group to experience the excitement and electric atmosphere the Belgian fans always bring. 

 

In the Junior Male race, our band of six performed brilliantly. Oscar Amey held his own against the locals to take a wonderful seventh, with Lewis Tinsley, Seb Grindley, Dec Oldham, Nathaniel Henderson and Alfie Amey all joining Oscar in securing great results in the top 45 in their first time out. 

 

For our quartet of Junior Women, their task proved to be trickier but a great opportunity to see how they can tailor their development going forward. The Superprestige doesn’t run a Junior Women’s race so Alice Colling, Rebecca Woodvine, Ellie Mitchinson and Anna Patterson were entered into the Elite race.

 

The youngest in the field, they held their own against ridersyears older than them and came out shining, with experiences that will guide them for years to come. 

 

With mud cleaned off bikes, and scrubbed off faces, the feedback from everyone involved – riders and coaches alike – was that it was an incredibly positive weekend, with riders all ecstatic about their experiences and eager to talk about what they learned, saw, and experienced. 

 

At a higher level, it also demonstrated that EvoDevo’s core ambition of effectively supporting young British riders is achievable and provides real benefits for all involved. 

 

Now, it’s focusing on the next trip and building on our success! Find out more about our plans on the Fundraiser link, you can find it on the front page.