BIKE Channel Canyon chief relishes Perfs opener

Tim Elverson admits BIKE Channel Canyon remain a work in progress but insists his troops are ready to put on a performance at the Perfs Pedal on Sunday (11am).
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Feb 2017, 16:55 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 09:35 BST

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Tim Elverson and Rory Townsend celebrate victory in last year's Perfs Pedal. Picture: Hugh McManusTim Elverson and Rory Townsend celebrate victory in last year's Perfs Pedal. Picture: Hugh McManus
Tim Elverson and Rory Townsend celebrate victory in last year's Perfs Pedal. Picture: Hugh McManus

After the announcement of their formation on November 30, it has been all hands to the pump to get Britain’s newest UCI Continental outfit ready for the campaign.

Elverson acknowledges there is plenty still to be done before the official team presentation at the London Bike Show on Sunday, February 19.

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However, he is confident defending champion Rory Townsend, 2012 winner Chris Opie, Rob Partridge, Mitchell Webber, James Lowsley-Williams and Alex Richardson will arrive in Southwick ready for their first test.

The sports director said: ‘I can’t wait to go racing now. Obviously we came to the party late and everyone behind the scenes is working really, really hard to get us where we want to be.

‘The launch is next weekend, so there is stuff still to be done like wrapping the vehicles. But we will be there on Sunday as ready as we need to be.

‘All the riders are ready and very excited about getting started. Perfs is only the first race but it is important we start correctly and I am optimistic.

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‘Okay there is no other UCI competition at this race but there are still some very, very good individuals.

‘So we can’t take anything for granted. We have got to race well and race hard but we are excited to get out there and we are excited to go racing.’

Elverson founded BIKE Channel Canyon after his former team, Pedal Heaven, called time on their involvement in professional road racing.

He took with him nine riders from his old set-up, among them Townsend, Webber and Excel Academy prospect Richardson.

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Added to them were six from elsewhere, including former ONE Pro Cycling sprinter Opie and NFTO duo Partridge and Lowsley-Williams.

Elverson added: ‘I have got a nice blend in my squad for Perfs and I am really looking forward to working with the new guys.

‘Rory and Mitch were probably the only shoo-ins because they both love the race. The others are there because I want to work with them straight away and I want them to get to know how I like to race.

‘I just can’t wait to get started now. After the launch we have about 90 races in a row, so it should be good.’

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Related topics:Britain