Matt Nowell can’t wait to get rolling as he embarks on a hectic triple-header.
The 20-year-old, from Northwich, tackles the Skipton Grand Prix tonight and Wales Open Criterium on Friday evening as the National Circuit Series gets into full swing.
Then he sets sail for Gilze in Holland, where BIKE Channel Canyon will race the UCI 1.2 Midden Brabant-Poort Omloop on Sunday.
It is a busy schedule but the Weaver Valley talent is keen to get started and is relishing his maiden National Circuit Series campaign.
Despite a disappointing 45th in the chilly opening round in Otley last week, Nowell is excited by the style of racing it produces. He said:
“I didn’t race the National Circuit Series last season. I was out in Belgium at the time. But I like what I have seen so far.
“I think I prefer it to the Tour Series. There is more drive to win the races. They are not dictated by team tactics, instead everyone is trying to attack.
“There are more breakaways and plenty of opportunities for the riders. It just feels like everyone is there to race, rather than just roll around for a team result.
“Otley was a tough introduction but I am looking forward to having another crack at it in Skipton and then I will be racing in Abergavenny on Friday night, too.”
The 200km Midden Brabant-Poort Omloop, raced on a narrow, windy circuit with tricky cobbled sections, makes its debut on the Europe Tour on Sunday.
And Nowell has reassured his sports director, Tim Elverson, he will deliver a fully-equipped Harry Tanfield to the ferry.
The North Yorkshire rider finished ninth in the Memorial Philippe van Coningsloo in Belgium earlier this season after a forgotten passport added more than 400 miles to his trip.
Nowell, who finished ninth in the Ilkley Grand Prix last month following back-to-back wins in regional crit races, is determined to avoid a repeat now he is in the driving seat. He added:
“Holland should be a good craic on Sunday. There’s a lot of travelling ahead but I have got Wizard (Harry Tanfield) to keep me company.
“That’s as long as he remembers his passport this time. I think I will have to confiscate it before we leave my house!”
Nowell will be joined by Tanfield, George Atkins, Sam Lowe, Jack Pullar and Jake Womersley for tonight’s 70-minute battle in North Yorkshire (8pm).
As always, we will endeavour to bring you live updates, reports and reaction from the races via our Twitter and Facebook accounts.
