Staff: Team Director: Cherie Pridham Director Sportive/ Team Manager: Eddie White Sports Physiologist: Ian Freeman Mechanical Advisor: Alan Buttler Riders: Simon Holt Jason Crombie Rhys Lloyd Scott Thwaites Jon Mozley Adam Tranter Cherie Pridham Support Riders: James Drummond Thomas Lowe Sam Lowe Kevin Barclay (supported by the Braveheart Cycling Fund) Website www.merlindevelopmentsquad.co.uk/ Last season we became a part of what we see as the beginning for junior cyclist, be a part of a team where talent can be nurtured and the stars of tomorrow found. We have always had our heart in bicycle racing , and wished to put a little something back with creation of a junior squad, offering the type of support never before seen from a trade sponsor. Last season the riders were racing our Atreus, a bike that with rider feedback, has developed into what we are racing on this season. The CR and TR works bikes are being raced this year by the development squad. We are quite proud of these pure race bikes and look forward to great results this season. The Merlin development squad was born in the UK out of frustration from One cyclist (Cherie Pridham) and one coach Eddie White (National BCF Junior coach) with the lack of options for up and coming talent and the infrastructure to push them to such a standard that they are then adopted by the successful British Cycling Performance plan. Cherie a 7 time Tour de Feminin finisher and one of the countries leading female cyclists whom has ridden for Jenny Longo and many of the worlds leading female riders recognised the need for guidance, correct training and the option for opportunities within the Junior cycling world. Eddie provides the coaching and with previous successful juniors including Jeremy Hunt and Roger Hammond and other riders whom have won World Championships and Tour de France stages, in fact it has been said "that Eddie is arguably the most successful junior coach and manager the BCF has ever had" there has to be very few more qualified Junior coaching available. Added to the know how of Cherie and Eddie comes also Physiological support from one of the countries leading Human Performance labs, Ian Freeman, whom will regularly asses the riders and advise on areas for work and potential. This level of support is normally only available to the countries highest achieving elite riders. Last week the second generation of the team was presented and we are very proud to be a part of such an outstanding outfit. The Merlin Development squad aims to develop the following skills within their junior cyclists. . Knowledge of training methods utilising the latest technology. . Race preparation and skills. . Care and maintenance of equipment. . Motivation. . Professional presentation to public and peers. . How to satisfy the needs of your sponsors and ensure longevity of support. . Teamwork! modern day successful cycling is not about one member of the team, more the team working as one. The objective of the Merlin development squad is to provide a platform for juniors with talent to make the next step within their cycling career.