Raleigh Cyclocross Rider scheme

October 2013

It’s not just us here at BritishCycleSport.com and our sister site CycleTechReview.com that think cyclo-cross is great; those nice people at Raleigh also think it’s a good thing, so much so that they have decided to support four young riders this season with their Raleigh Cyclocross Rider Scheme.

The four riders were selected after Raleigh decided that their previous achievements and potential warranted their selection. The four riders are: Harry Yates (Junior), Nick Barnes (U23), Dylan Kerfoot-Robson (Junior) and Joe Atkins (U23)

Joe Atkins, Raleigh Cyclocross Rider, looking good on his Raleigh RX Race bike

Joe (@joe_ride) is a relatively recent convert to cyclocross, having raced mainly on the road. He had a string of good results in 2012/13 including the Rapha Super Cross Series, where he finished 10th, Kenilworth Boxing Day ‘Cross (7th) and Vlamse Cup (37th). He should be good as Joe is the grandson of 13-time National Cyclocross Champion John Atkins, who rode for Raleigh in his prime.

Harry (@HarryYates01) is a multi-talented young rider who was U14 National Cyclocross Champion last year. Harry shines in all the major disciplines, having recently picked up the yellow jersey in the International Tour of Ireland junior road race and a 3rd place at the National Mountain Bike Championships.

A happy looking Nick Barnes receives his Raleigh RX bike

Nick (@Nick__Barnes94) is a talented young rider racing in the senior category in 2013/14. His best results include an impressive 7th place in the National Trophy Series, and he’s competed at the Elite level while racing in the home of cyclocross, Belgium. Nick is the son of former international cyclocross rider, Steve Barnes.

Dylan (@DylanKerfootRob) was chosen last year for the British U23 cyclocross squad aged just 16, and finished 2nd overall in the Welsh Cyclocross Championships and 7th in the National Cyclocross Championships in 2012. He will ride for Great Britain at World Cup level, having been part of the British Olympic Development Programme for Mountain Biking.

Raleigh will support the riders during this winter’s ‘cross season with their RX Race bike, which is equipped with SRAM components and Cole wheels. They will also be provided with kit and clothing from High 5, Fi:zik, Schwalbe, Dare2b and Muc-Off. The riders will also be able to call on support from their local Raleigh dealers.

“We wanted to make a statement of our intent to have a big impact on the thriving UK cyclocross scene, with the launch of our fantastic new range of four cyclocross bikes for the 2013/2014 season,” said Geoff Giddings, Raleigh Marketing Director and a former veteran cyclocross champion. “Grassroots rider and event support is at the heart of our marketing drive and we were so overwhelmed by the number of high quality applications to our cyclocross scheme that even after deciding to increase the number of supported riders, we had a tough time choosing. Having met these four young riders I am delighted to have chosen four very professional and talented young men for the scheme. I can’t wait to see what they are capable of doing this season with our support.”

The thrills and spills of our riders’ cross seasons will be documented through social media and at the Raleigh Cyclocross Website.

The £800 Raleigh RX Elite maybe Raleigh’s starter bike, but it looks very sharp

We saw Raleigh’s new cross line up at the Cycle Show at the NEC in Birmingham and were impressed with the range’s sharp new looks. We should be getting one of their ‘cross bikes to review soon and will let you know as soon as we’ve got them dirty!