The British Matrix Fitness team has finalised the final roster of what it refers to as its ‘Racing Academy’ for 2013. With the departure of Olympians Dani King and Joanna Rowsell to the new DTPC-Honda team, and with a number of others moving onto new things, the line up is almost entirely different from 2012.
In a previous incarnation, however, this was the team that provided riders like Emma Pooley and Lizzie Armitstead their first taste of international racing, and so will continue its role of developing young British riders.
The only names from the 2012 team to continue with the 2013 roster are Hannah and Jessie Walker [who are not related - ed], with Penny Rowson - who was originally to stay - a late departure. Corinne Hall and Harriet Owen join the team from British rivals Node4-Giordana, Jo Tindley joins after a strong year with VC St Raphael, while Emma Grant comes across after spending 2012 racing in the US with Optum Pro Cycling.
Since Jessie Walker is stepping up to the senior ranks, her place as the team’s junior rider will be taken by Melissa Lowther.
“Firstly I’m excited about our new riders,” said team manager Stef Wyman. “Melissa is an outstanding prospect who has been a standout rider in the youth categories. We are very committed to developing young riders and made the decision to keep a junior on the team following Jessie Walker moving up to the elite ranks.
“Melissa’s results speak for themselves, but I was recommended Melissa by Chris Walker [former British pro and father of Jessie - ed], and I know he’s good at spotting talent. For sure Melissa has great results and it will be interesting to see how she steps up to the junior races. There’s no pressure on her and she can hopefully enjoy her racing and see how things go.”
The last rider to be confirmed in the 2013 line up is Gabby Day (pictured), who rode with Wyman’s teams between 2006 and 2010. The 28-year-old is to continue with Rapha-Focus - where she has consistently made the top ten of each of the four World Cup races this season, including sixth in Roubaix last week - before joining Matrix Fitness in the spring.
“Gabby Day doesn’t need much of an introduction, she’s a high profile rider having her best season ever in cyclocross riding for the USA based Rapha Focus team,” Wyman explained. “She’ll continue to ride with them in the winter, but she’ll be joining us to help her use the summer as effectively as possible. Its mutually beneficial and to have Gabby back in the squad after a few years away is a really nice way to complete the 2013 team”
Matrix Fitness Racing Academy roster 2013
Corrine Hall, Emma Grant, Hannah Walker, Harriet Owen, Jessie Walker, Jo Tindley, Gabby Day, Melisa Lowther