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Oli Stockwell - National Champ!

July 31, 2019

A huge congratulations from all at Team Ribble to Oli Stockwell of Ribble Pro Cycling. On Sunday the 28th July, Oli claimed the National Junior Road Race title in Bassingham, Lincs. Read the blog below to find out more about this super-talented, rising star of UK cycle racing.

A Rising Talent

Oli joined the Ribble Pro Cycling teams junior ranks off the back of some impressive performances early in his cycling career. The most notable of these being;

  • The 2016 National Youth Circuit Race Championships at the Redbridge Cycling Centre in Essex.
  • Having previously won a national championship at under 14 level ne was no stranger to success. And a repeat of this victory was to follow in 2018. In sweltering conditions he claimed the win in the under 16's Boys National Circuit Championship. Oli broke clear with a fellow rider before sprinting to victory against his fellow breakaway companion.
  • He won the Junior National 25 riding a Ribble Ultra TT which was pivotal in the team recognising his talent and versatility across road and time trial disciplines.

Oli celebrates victory in a sprint finish to claim his national stripes.

His greatest victory to date

On Sunday the 28th July 2019 a strong field lined up for the British Junior Road Race Championships on the roads around Bassingham, Lincs. Thanks to the wet weather throughout the weekend the roads were slick which led to tricky racing conditions. These were borne out by the numerous crashes littering the race.

Shortly after the neutralised zone Ribble Pro Cycling's very own Zach Bridges attacked and was eventually joined by 7 other riders to form a strong break. Their lead built up to over 30 seconds before a combination of bad luck and the tricky conditions took their toll. With first, Zach suffering an unfortunate mechanical and then almost immediately afterwards two of his breakaway companions slid out on one of the corners on the greasy surface.

Then began a period of frenetic attacks with riders attempting to launch clear of the peloton. Close on the half way mark of the 70 mile race a group of 19 riders, including eventual winner Oli broke clear. Despite the efforts of the main peloton this group managed to stay clear to decide the contest amongst themselves. Riders from this breakaway continued to attack but each in turn was neutralised and the riders quickly absorbed back into the group.

Eventually the inevitability of a bunch sprint became apparent but still the attacks came and Oli takes up the finale himself;

“Coming into the finish I saw the Isle of Man boys working together so I grabbed on that. It worked perfectly. There was an attack with a kilometre to go which strung us all out so played into my hands because it was a lot easier to get into position. I have won it (National title) before but this one is special as I can wear the jersey all year”

Oli Stockwell - 1st Year Junior

https://twitter.com/i/status/1155493879459778561


Find out more about the record breaking Aero TT in competition use here


Newly crowned national champ for Wales, Gruff Lewis's team bike.

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