Matt Nowell is realistic about his hopes of riding in the Tour of Britain.
The first-year professional would dearly love to get his chance to mix it with World Tour stars in the eight-day stage race, which begins in Edinburgh on Sunday, September 3.
However, the 21-year-old recognises the strength in depth of Tim Elverson’s squad and knows competition for places will be fierce.
Whatever happens, Northwich’s Nowell will be living every pedal stroke with his team-mates as their aim to make their mark. He said:
“Selection is going to be hot for the Tour of Britain. I would naturally like to do that race but I have to look at it realistically.
“I am a first-year professional and we have a lot of experienced guys in the team who have been there and done it before.
“I would like to prove myself and prove I can do it. But I will always be behind the team and cheering them on, whether I am riding or not.”
Nowell, who only turned 21 at the end of last month, has had an impressive first season in the professional ranks, with top-10 finishes in the Skipton Grand Prix and Ilkley Grand Prix.
He finished 16th in his maiden prem – the Chorley Grand Prix – and has represented the team in eight UCI races across four countries.
The former Sheffield Hallam University student starred in a long breakaway at the Rutland-Melton International CiCLE Classic, while his best result was 23rd in the 1.2 Midden-Brabant Poort Omloop in Holland.
