Tim Elverson believes BIKE Channel Canyon have all the ingredients to become the top UCI Continental team in the UK.
The former Pedal Heaven sports director has put together a young and dynamic squad, led by Chris Opie, one of the country’s finest sprinters.
Throw the unique focus of title sponsors BIKE Channel and Canyon into the mix, along with the support of key partners Bikesoup and Brother UK, and Elverson reckons he has the recipe for success.
And that success could come at a pace, despite foundations being put in place for the next three years. Elverson, who is juggling the roles of owner, manager and sports director, said:

“I’m really excited.
“We have a different angle to most teams. We have got media partners in BIKE, who are actively promoting the team and giving us a new angle.
“And that folds nicely into Canyon, a bike brand which doesn’t operate in the same way as its competitors. They are straight to the customer and they are cutting edge, which fits the team nicely.
“Of course, they are a very good brand, too. Their bikes are some of the fastest out there, which from my point of view helps us win races.
“I’ve brought in Chris Opie as our lead sprinter. He has obviously come from a Pro Conti team where he was exceedingly successful.
“We are very fortunate he believes in the project. At the moment it is a three-year plan and he is on board to try to take that journey with us.
“The journey being to become the most successful Conti team in the UK and into the rest of the world.”

Elverson launched BIKE Channel Canyon after five successful years with Pedal Heaven.
That journey culminated in a maiden campaign at UCI Continental level, which included Tour of the Reservoir glory, along with victory in two rounds of the Tour Series and the sprints jersey. Elverson added:

“Pedal Heaven decided to call it a day but I wanted to continue our process.
“I heard BIKE were looking to get into professional cycling. I spoke to them, they spoke to Canyon and the two were pretty happy to get together.
“From that point on we have been working on other partners but the team is now complete.
“We have a very good roster, with some very exciting names and we are looking forward to going racing.”