Pedal Heaven debutant to pay Perfs attention

The peloton crests the Portsdown Hill climb before descending to Southwick in the 2015 Perfs Pedal. Picture: Rob Atkins

The Pedal Heaven teenager will launch his career in the professional ranks in the Portsmouth road race on Sunday.

He has been give a clearly-defined role in his team as they bid to claim the one south-coast crown missing from their palmares.

And with the likes of Mitch Webber, Rory Townsend and directeur sportif Tim Elverson having contested the race previously, the 19-year-old has been schooled in what to expect.

He has been given the heads up on the early climb which ONE Pro Cycling used to blow the race apart on their way to victory 12 months ago.

And also the remainder of the Portsdown Hill ascent where strong winds have been known to force splits in the peloton.

The 19-year-old said: ‘Perfs is my first target. It will be a new style of racing for me, compared to the juniors.

‘I have been told a few things about the race. I’m told it is not that long – around 50 miles – so it is not going to be 100-plus mile for my debut, which will be nice.

‘I believe there is a pretty grippy climb before a tough crosswind section, which I’ve been told a few stories about. I will have to be on the ball there.

‘But I just can’t wait to get there and see how well all the training has been going.

‘Hopefully we can pick up a good result to set off the year.

‘We have a new team, a new group of people but we know we will work hard for each other.’

Fry is also well aware of the importance of the Perfs Pedal in Pedal Heaven’s programme.

The Hampshire team have always supported the race but it is the one south-coast crown they have yet to get their hands on.

And Elverson is determined to break that duck tomorrow.

Fry added: ‘Tim has told us he is up for it and that is just how we feel, too.

‘We are all really keen to start well and put down a marker for the year.

‘We want to start well and be competitive from February right through to October.

‘And obviously being a new UCI team, it would be great to make a winning start to the season.’

Click here for more from Fry and previews to the Perfs Pedal.