Jake Womersley has left BIKE Channel Canyon.
The 21-year-old, from Mirfield in West Yorkshire, admitted it was not an easy decision to part company with the British professional outfit.
However, after a week of weighing up his future, he believes a step down from UCI Continental level will benefit him in the long run.
It ends a two-year association with sports director Tim Elverson, who first recruited the former Great Britain cyclocross junior at Pedal Heaven.
Womersley, who broke the news to his team-mates earlier today, will fly solo in tonight’s Barnsley Town Centre Race (8.45pm). He said in a statement:
“It’s been a long decision but I have decided to leave BIKE Channel Canyon.
“It wasn’t a easy decision as I know how hard-working and passionate Tim and the rest of the staff are within the team.
“The team have some of the best sponsors within cycling, great bikes, equipment and knowledgable staff.
“I appreciate the opportunity Tim has given me over the past two years with Pedal Heaven and BIKE Channel Canyon. Good luck to the team and riders for the future.”
Womersley was 15th in the Skipton Grand Prix earlier this month, having represented the team at UCI level in the Ronde van Overijssel and Memorial Philippe van Coningsloo.
He also performed breakaway heroics in the hotly-contested Rutland-Melton International CiCLE Classic before team-mate Rory Townsend sprinted to fourth spot.
