Report written by rider Ollie Cadin-
I started my season early in the gym, focusing on qualifying for the Commonwealth Games. This was a nice challenge as the 4km Individual Pursuit is unlike any other discipline in cycling. I was very fortunate to be loaned a track bike by Jersey Cycling, which I rode to 5th place at the University Championships, going 4.32.00.
On the road, my first race was the Tour de Bahamas, which I won last year. Racing with Team Florida, it was tough in the heat coming from a Welsh winter, but I managed to win the prologue by a handful of seconds and the crit by a bike throw at the line, though I came up short in the road race. However, I held onto the overall GC win by picking up 6 bonus seconds earlier.
Following this, I raced the Royal Navy Cup (Nat B) in atrocious weather alongside Sam Nisbet. The race blew apart early on, and after constantly attacking I was able to get away. However, with 4 laps to go, I cramped and was unable to follow a move of 4 riders from the break, and coming into the sprint I was so cold I couldn’t shift gear. Still, I was able to take 6th overall.
Over Easter, I began my season with DRAFT Racing by getting into the break at the Combe Easter Classic (Nat B), where I tried to go solo on the last lap but got caught, rolling in 10th out of a field of over 100. The next day I got into a late break at Totnes Vire Stage 1 with fellow Jerseyman Jacob Mauger. From this break, I sprinted to 3rd and went on to the GC podium.
Next on my calendar was the Cicle Classic, the highest level one-day race in the UK, and on gravel it was a tough day out. After 2.5 hours, and over one of the roughest sectors, I ended up in a hedge and snapped my frame; whilst a great experience, a little frustrating and ended as a DNF. This was followed by 28th at March Hare in London.
I continued racing alongside my final exams at university with Lincoln GP, where I came 94th. This too was a great experience, flying up the Michaelgate climb with crowds everywhere. I can’t wait to have another go over the cobbles next year.
Other results include 3rd at Llandow, 2nd at Cardiff City Crit, winning the Welsh University Varsity Omnium, 2nd at a CCC TT in Jersey, a mid-20s finish at BUCS after a tyre blowout, and 2nd at Castle Combe Circuit.
In preparation for the National Championships, I won 3 Welsh CTT 10-mile time trials, including setting a course record at Cwmcarn and going 19:30 in Monmouth. At the National Championships, I rode to 26th in the U23 category, which was full of professional riders. This was a particularly narrow and twisty course, which was challenging, let alone in over 30 degrees. This was a large improvement over 2023, where I snapped my chain on the last lap and finished 29th.
I also raced the National Circuit Championships, Otley, and Ilkley GP, three of the highest-level UK criteriums. At Otley, I attacked from the gun and managed two laps solo before being brought back. Avoiding many crashes and attacks up the climb, I finished 42nd out of over 100 riders. Ilkley was likewise tough, but I managed 60th after an hour of racing.
I finished my season with the CCC summer track race, where I won by over a minute and a half solo.
Although it was very difficult at times to manage my final year of university alongside my first year racing at the highest National A level in the UK, I have still managed to get some great results across the board in a range of different races. I look forward to the rest of the season and returning to the Duo Normand in September.
Thanks to Jersey cycling Association and Jersey Sport for their support towards the costs of travelling to races, my club CCC, my team DRAFT, the Cog and Sprocket for all things bike, my coach Luke, and Cardiff University Sport.
Results:
1st: Welsh University Championships
1st: Cwmcarn Paragon 10 CTT (Course Record)
1st: Newport Phoenix 10 CTT
1st: Monmouthshire 10 CTT (19.30)
2nd: Castle Combe Circuit Nat B
2nd: CCC 15km TT (1st Road Bike)
2nd: Cardiff City Crit
3rd: Totnes Vire Stage 1 Nat B
3rd: Llandow Circuit Race
5th: BUCS IP (4.32.00)
6th: Royal Navy Cup Nat B
10th: Easter Classic Nat B
25th: Totnes Vire GC
26th: National Time Trial Championships U23
28th: March Hare
30th: BUCS RR (Mechanical)
42nd: Otley Nat A
60th: Ilkley Nat A
94th: Lincoln GP Nat A
DNF: Cicle Classic UCI
DNF: National Circuit Championships (pulled with laps to go, only conti/World Tour riders left)
