CQ22-Digital

youngsters. I ask how he sees these lads progressing.
“We definitely have some good guys coming through. It’s a real strong group
which is testament to what we are all doing. The Olympics is possible for
one or two of the lads and we could maybe have two or three moving into the
WorldTour next season too.”
So the ultimate question then - what difference can Matt and his unique
experience bring to the academy?
“I’ve come in with some pretty lofty aspirations. Some years ago the academy
was ’the place to be’ and the best development team in the world. It was
where everyone wanted to be. Over the years the sport has evolved and we
now have some healthy competition out there. I have full faith that we have
the best support team in the world and it’s my goal to build the academy
into the most successful development team in the world. Success to me isn’t
just about performance, it’s about setting these lads up for their futures and
crafting them into happy, resilient, complete bike riders.”
One of Matt’s first changes was to switch the training base to Girona, a place
where he’s has many fond memories of life on and off the bike.
“For me location isn’t all about the roads, the weather, or the transport links.
The move was more about off the bike and the lads being able to have a
happy life away from bike riding. I feel Girona is the ideal place for them to
enjoy themselves off the bike and live their lives as committed bike riders at
the same time.”
We finish off with a chat about the lads who I’d had the privilege to join for
that day in the car at the Tour de Yorkshire. I was curious to better understand
why they were chosen to race, what their roles where and how Matt felt the
race had gone for them all.
So overall the race was considered to be a success for the academy and the
lads who raced. All part of “learning the trade” as Matt often puts it.
These are fascinating times for the GBCT set-up. The track facility in
Manchester with world-class coaches and support staff is very well
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