Q&A: JRC Shutt Ridley Team’s James Roberts

Team JRC and Shutt Ridley Racing Team are merging for 2020 and we quiz James Roberts on the new team for next season

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Q&A: JRC Shutt Ridley Team’s James Roberts

How long has the JRC team been racing?
James: 20 Months (April 2018)

What does JRC stand for in the team name?
James: James Roberts Coaching Ltd

The team is a large one merging with Shutt VR, what will be key aims for the team in 2020?
James: National series races specific to age & category – Key aim is to take wins in some of the races across all areas.

Are there specific teams within the team (Youth, Juniors/Women etc) who will be doing national series races or specific events?
James: Yes. We have Youth A Boys & Girls, Junior Boys & Girls, a Women’s senior squad, a Men’s senior squad and will look at some masters specific events too.

When will the team’s riders start racing?
James: From 1 December for the juniors to get their 2nd cat points hunt underway, however, we are targeting the Eddie Soens as our main season opener again. We were pipped by Vitus Pro last year by one rider, they had 8 we had 7!

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Is the race programme guided by the team or up to individual riders?
James: The programme is by the team for Nationals, however, riders can hunt local points off their own back.

What support does having such a large team provide for the riders during a season?
James: It’s really about best practice and sharing information. We have regular camps and wattsapp group chats to discus what went well at a race and what we could have done better. This is invaluable as we have so much knowledge in the team across all the age groups.

Will the team be organising any races?
James: Yes, We have a Hill Climb with CTT in Manchester and hope to hold a circuit race in Oxfordshire

What were the highlights for the JRC team in 2019?
James: Two Bronze medals for the masters riders in Crit and Road Champs, four riders competing internationally, and being in the top 60 BC points standings for most of the year which is great for a small team.

Who were the stand out riders for JRC in 2019?
James: Jo Ryding was outstanding as was George Wood, however Daniels Kucerjarvics got selected by his national federation too!

Is there a specific area the team is based in or are they (the riders) based around the country?
James: All over the UK – Yorkshire, Derbyshire, North West, Midlands, Kent!

Which disciplines are the most popular with the riders?
James: The road for sure is our no.1 followed by Track and then CX. We have two Under 16’s in the National Trophy with Hope Inglis 4th in the Under 16 standings.

Do the team’s riders have get togethers for team rides/chaingangs?
James: We hold four camps per year, full weekends with rides and workshops, plus monthly meets for categories such as a Junior Women’s ride.

In 2019, the team JRC used Shutt VR clothing – what did you find were the best things about the clothing, your favourites items of clothing?
James: The clothing was exceptional quality and we chose it on stiching quality and the comfort of the chamois. The race jersey was the stand out item as it was both aero and comfortable enough for all day use.

Finally, I understand Shutt VR are using recycled fabrics?
James: By the end of 2020, Shutt is aiming to be climate positive throughout their entire range and this year’s team kit is fully made using Oceanbalance recycled fabrics. Oceanbalance combines modern sublimation printing and recycled polyester to create environmentally friendly kit that performs to the highest level. It covers everything the team uses, including jerseys, jackets, gilets, skinsuits, speedsuits, bib shorts and tights, plus arm, leg and knee-warmers. More here:

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