Rider Chat – Jon Mould (One Pro Cycling)

2015_CONTI_Banner_TourSeries

VeloUK talks to winner of the Elite Circuit Series Jon Mould of One Pro Cycling about his season and goals for 2016

RST Cycle Clothing & Trigon Bikes

Rider Chat – Jon Mould (One Pro Cycling)

One of the most versatile riders in the British peloton is Jon Mould of One Pro Cycling. He’s won countless titles and medals on the track and was part of the GB Olympic Development and Academy programmes.

He’s done well in some big races on the road like an overall win in a stage race in Sweden and a podium in Thuringen Rundfahrt.

AbergavennyJonMould

In the crits, he’s been especially ‘special’ with three wins in the Tour Series in 2014 and he added another win in that series in 2015 (Redditch). Also in 2015, Jon won the Elite Circuit Series. The 24 year old has also experienced life in four different teams;
2012 An Post-Sean Kelly
2013 Team UK Youth
2014 NFTO Pro Cycling
2015 ONE Pro Cycling

Whilst 2016 is an unknown as yet, his goals in cycling are clear and that is to race at the highest level. That may well come to fruition with One Pro Cycling which he joined because his coach of the previous two years, Steve Benton, was an integral part of One Pro Cycling (read more on that here).

He admits that he is proud to have been part of that team’s success story and is now intending to fight for a place in that teams Tour of Britain squad. As with any of the British teams which number at least twice the number allowed per team in the Tour of Britain, getting a spot in the race is a real achievement in itself.

Jon however has done well in 2015 and his latest success is the Elite Circuit Series victory. Talking after the GP Wales, Jon said of the Circuit Series victory “You don’t get the chance to celebrate like a proper win but am pretty happy with the win though”.

“I didn’t really worry about the series and raced every race trying to win it and I knew consistency wise, it would take care of itself. I never rode negatively trying mark out riders like Dave (McGowan, Pedal Heaven) who was close in the standings or anything”.

“If you race like that, you end up in a worse place where as if you race at the front, it’s alright”.

0_JonMOuld_2012_AnPost

Jon Mould (centre) with Mark Christian (left) and GB Academy road manager, Keith Lambert in 2012 when Jon and Mark rode for Sean Kelly’s AN Post team

He clinched the series before the final round at Abergavenny due to his closest rival being ill but the final round at Abergavenny was special for other reasons. “Everyone was there; mum, dad, brother, niece, school mates, everyone really. It was a good night. Of course I wanted to win it but ended up seventh which is alright”.

Asked does racing in front of family and friends change the way he races, Jon replied “It doesn’t affect the way I race even though there is more pressure. It used to be worse at the track nationals when it was at Newport (Wales) when everyone was there watching so I am used to it”.

Looking back at his season, things didn’t get off to a great start when it came to the big races. “The Tour of Yorkshire was an aim but I was ill and missed that but after that, I cracked on with no breaks which has worked for me. The Tour of Britain isn’t far away now and makes you realise how short the season is”.

“The Tour of the Britain is the main goal but getting picked for that is the hardest bit!” Moving ahead a few months to 2016 post Tour of Britain, Jon isn’t sure what is happening but says it would mean a hell of a lot to ride ProConti.

2013_Madison_Atkins_Mould01

Jon, in the stripes, with George Atkins, winner of the Madison title a few years ago. We expect to see Jon back on the track for the Commonwealth Games in 2018 for Wales.

“It’s a big step up and the chance to ride the races you dream about (Milan San Remo is a favourite apparently) when you’re 17 banging around Newport track would be awesome”.

“I know we have a strong enough squad to do it and for me personally, to be part of that would be amazing. When I started this journey, I never planned to do my racing in the UK. I was in the academy and from there, you want to ride with World Tour teams and the biggest races”.

“Especially when you’re training mates are doing it (Luke Rowe for one). So to have done three years racing in the UK, it’s about time to crack on and get my teeth stuck into some big races. I’d miss the crits a little but I can always come back and do them in July!”

We look forward to seeing the team for One Pro Cycling and hope that Jon Mould gets to ride his third Tour of Britain.

Send your results as well as club, team & event news here

Other Results on VeloUK (including reports containing results)

Other News on VeloUK

Tags: ,