Team JRC Shutt Ridley Women’s Team

Team JRC Shutt Ridley have five strong under twenty-three and senior women ready to tackle whatever 2021 tends to throw at them.

Team JRC Shutt Ridley Women’s Team

Team JRC Shutt Ridley have five strong under twenty-three and senior women ready to tackle whatever 2021 tends to throw at them. These ladies are hopeful to target a number of races across the UK and potentially Europe. These riders include:

– Claire Witworth
– Chloe Vickers
– Gwyneth Parry
– Ellen Inglis
– Hannah Paton-Harris

“This last year has been a challenge and I think the majority of us can say not what we were expecting, and the start of this year hasn’t exactly gone the way we hoped” say the team. “With all of the UK now in another national lockdown, it has given us all the chance to push on and develop new goals, ideas and plans for our futures. For the majority of us, 2020 has been a bumpy ride (no pun intended) and the focus is now on what is around the corner for us all.”

With a number of races being cancelled in 2020, such as national road events, local crit races and track events, the team’s riders never had chance to show off their skills and with a number of the ladies stepping up from junior to first year senior, the season ahead is a scary prospect. There is though, within the team, complete belief that these girls can do anything that they put their minds too.

“As the team steps into 2021, our sponsors Shutt Velo Rapide and Ridley are helping us on our way” the team says.

With new female specific kit designed and tried by out the ladies, the verdict is that it provides warmth and comfort for the winter training they are having to endure. Along with their custom team Ridley bikes, it has been triumphant winter for the ladies in all elements of their training with the bikes helping them through the lockdown, turbo sessions and long road rides.

“We have the best, in what could be seen as a horrible situation” say the team. “All of the girls have entered the year with determination like no other. Through all the troubles, dedication and hope have shone through. The ladies have powered on through winter training and are working hard to hit their goals and milestones, all working hard to prep for this year’s 2021 season.

With help from coach James Roberts, they get all the help and support they need to prepare for the season ahead whatever it may hold. To replace actual racing, a lot of the girls have turned to virtual racing by using Zwift. While it hasn’t replaced real world racing, it kept the competitive spirit alive. It keeps the girls focused and gives them something to do in the uncertain times where we have online learning and working from home. Cycling has provided the girls a piece of mind throughout the past year and it is going to be amazing to see where this year leads them.

Rider profiles

Name: Chloe Vickers
Age category: Under 23
Where are you based? Buckinghamshire
What are your strengths? Endurance and climbing
What races are you targeting? National series
What are your goals for 2021? To gain as much experience as I can to become a better rider
Plans for lockdown? To get in lots of time on the bike, both to have fun and build my base for the road season
Favourite piece of kit? Speed suit as it’s super comfy & looks great in the bunch
Favourite pro race? Tour de France

Name: Hannah Paton-Harris
Age category: Under 23
Where are you based? Warrington/ Leeds
What are your strengths? Track sprint
What races are you targeting? National track champs
What are your goals for 2021? To get a sub 11.5 flying 200 and to track to make It onto the Scotland track team
Plans for lockdown? Basically, put all I have into training to get ready to get back onto the track
Favourite piece of kit? Skin suit, it’s my staple piece, comfy and stands out.
Favourite pro race? Senior track nationals

Name: Ellen Inglis
Age category: Under 23
Where are you based: Kent/Loughborough
What are your strengths: Road races as I have good endurance. I also enjoy climbing.
What races are you targeting? I want to improve my performance in local road races, and to ride the women’s national series.
What are your goals for 2021? I want to expand the disciplines I race, riding hill climbs and tt
Plans for lockdown ? I will be following a similar training pattern to normal, keeping my focus and staying safe.
Favourite piece of kit? I like the summer gloves, they fit me really nicely.
Favourite pro race? Tour de France

Name: Gwyneth Parry
Age category? Under 23
Where are you based? Shropshire
What are your strengths? climbing and endurance
What races are you targeting? I’m hoping for some hilly rides
What are your goals for 2021? Getting involved in road races and hoping to race abroad.
Plans for lockdown ? Continue to train and build towards next season
Favourite piece of kit? New thermal gloves
Favourite pro race? Women’s Tour

Name: Claire Witworth
Age category: Senior
Where are you base? Macclesfield, Cheshire
What are your strengths: sprinting, race-craft
What races are you targeting? National track masters and crit championships
What are your goals for 2021? Build on my strengths with focussed gym work, make more time for recovery around work/training/family and finish my Level 4 nutrition qualifications to further support the Team riders and my own performance!
Plans for lockdown? Stick to my session plan, eat well and hydrate!
Favourite piece of kit? Gilet
Favourite pro race? Any of the classics