Team Feature: Hutchinson/Brother UK

One of the leading women’s teams in 2022 with several riders moving up to UCI level, is bigger and better for 2023 – we chat to Team Hutchinson-Brother UK’s manager Ian ‘Watto’ Watson

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Team Feature: Hutchinson/Brother UK

Racing the National level events in 2022, the Brother UK-LDN team was very prominent at the front of races and had its fair share of success as well. It was says Ian “a great year”. He adds, “there were some fantastic individual results but also the team worked so well together and really grew as a unit. We have had a real organic growth since our first season in 2019, and the results we got in 2022 are all down to the hard work and dedication of the riders. It is always rewarding to see our riders move up. My aim is to progress riders to the highest level of the sport that they can, so although you never want to lose anyone, it is good to see riders progress”.

By way of example, the team’s Sammie Stuart moved up mid season to UCI team Cams Basso whilst at the end of the season, Lucy Lee went UCI and Alex Morrice Zwifted her way into the World Tour with Canyon SRAM.

Ian (second from left) with his team after the Lancaster Grand Prix including Alex Morrice standing to the right of Ian. Alex Zwifted her way into the WorldTour team, Canyon SRAM for 2023.

Talking of highlights from 2022, Ian says there have been a few. “We had our first National Series podiums this year with Alex, and once we got one, the rest flowed. Seeing Lucy Lee lead and almost win the Manx Stage race was a special moment, as was the teams performance in the Ras na mBan with 2nd on the Queen stage and a second and third finish on the final day. All the stage race results this year I guess were the big highlights, as we had some great individual results in them, but again, the way they all rode as a team made those results happen”.

When a team has the success that Ian’s team had in 2022 with sponsors like Hutchinson Engineering and global giant, Brother UK, it is normal for the team to want more for the following season and for 2023, Ian agrees that the 2022 success does put pressure on him and his riders. “We have had increased support from our existing long term sponsors for this year, and we have also picked up a few more and will have a bike and wheel sponsor for the first time this season which is amazing. There is certainly no extra pressure on the riders though and it is business as usual within the team. We really do have very committed sponsors who are in it for the right reasons and have really bought into our team ethos which is a pressure free environment where talent is encouraged and nurtured. Rider first, always.”

Podium for the Manx International in 2022. The Brother UK/LDN team’s Lucy Lee (left) had a great race with two stage wins whilst another former team rider, Sammie Stuart, also made the podium

With the racing calendar from British Cycling starting to fill up with events, Ian’s team already have their eyes set on some racing in March. “We have a very busy March and will hit the ground running this year for the start of the season. First race is likely to be the Cold Dark North race at Capernwray on the 12th. Then the Peaks 2 Day and Cicle Classic at the end of March”

For a team doing the National Series events means there are plenty of logistics to manage for Ian. “Yeah, logistics are tough for all teams, but definitely teams of our size. As a London based a team and with almost all National races in the North, there is a lot of time on the road. We will also do more European racing this year which will add to those logistical challenges.”

“With ever rising costs on hotels and fuel, it is tough for a team of our size and is our biggest expense. We travel together as a team though which makes the travelling more enjoyable for the riders and is good for team bonding. Usually means an early start from the South and a couple of pick ups along the A1, but makes it a good weekend and takes the thinking or any worry away from the rider of how and when to get there.”

Asked whether the team’s calendar is likely to include the National Series races on the road and on circuits like the Tour Series etc, Ian replied “Absolutely. We have a very big year planned that will include the full National Road and Crit Series. We are also looking forward to going back to the Tour Series this year which are always great events. We also have a few UCI races planned and some trips to Belgium for some Kermesse fun. Exciting times ahead!”

We wish the team lots of luck in 2023 and look forward to seeing them at some of the early season races.

Ian with Jon from Santini UK who will be supplying the kit which will be the same quality as WorldTour teams like Trek Segafredo have from Santini

Hutchinson – Brother UK (Cycle Team LDN) – The Riders
– Sian Botteley
– Tiffany Keep
– Heather Mayer
– Ruth Sheir
– Dannie Watkinson
– Amy Marks
– Ione Johnson
– Jenni Millmore
– Jessie Carridge
– Sannah Zaman
– Charlotte Berry
– Polly Milsom
– Sam Fawcett
– Lydia Watts
– Tammy Miller
– Harriett Dodd

Ian at the team’s get together with the public and sponsors this year

Heather Mayer was one of the winners for the team in 2022

The riders in the Brother UK/LDN team on the front of the peloton on Stage 3 of the Manx International for race leader Lucy Lee (2nd wheel)

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