Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling is delighted to confirm that Amy Roberts and Anna Christian have recommitted to the team for 2016, emphasising the black and orange squad’s commitment to the development of the best young British riders. Both riders are just 20 years of age, but have been an invaluable part of the team in 2015, and expect to be even better in 2016.
Roberts has been part of Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling since its inception in 2013. Her 2015 season suffered a setback as she fractured her collarbone in late April, but the Welsh talent returned at the Great Britain National Championships, where she lit up the race with as part of a long, mid-race attack.
“I’ve absolutely loved the past three years on Wiggle Honda and am really looking forward to continuing with them for another year,” Roberts said. “Obviously to be one that has been there from the start is really nice.
“Each year we’ve got stronger and next year looks to be even better,” she added. “We’ve got some really exciting new signings who will bring many things to the team. Everyone gets on so well and it’s such a nice atmosphere within it; staff and riders.
“I think 2016 will bring a lot more opportunities for me so I can’t wait for the season to get started!”
Christian joined Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling in 2015, having impressed Team Owner and Manager Rochelle Gilmore at both the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland – where she represented the Isle of Man – and the World Championships in Ponferrada, Spain. The Manx talent, who is the team’s youngest rider, took the leap from the British domestic scene to the international professional peloton in her stride, and has already become a valued member of the black and orange squad.
“I’m really happy and excited to be apart of Wiggle Honda again for 2016, it’s a great team to be a part of, on and off the bike,” said Christian. “Last year I loved taking my step up into professional cycling with the team as it has such a depth of experience and talent for me to learn from.
“I really enjoyed my past year and I’m looking forward to another year with the team,” she continued. “The team was so successful last year and they get stronger every year. It’ll be even better morale going into 2016 being World Number One Women’s Team. I can’t wait for the racing season to start again!”
Roberts and Christian will join compatriots Dani King – who, like Roberts, has been with the team since 2013 – and Lucy Garner at Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling in 2016, which takes the number of British riders confirmed so far to four. Both young riders have shown considerable development in their time with the team, and are expected to progress much further in the coming seasons.
“I’m so impressed by the development and progression of Amy Roberts over the past three years,” Gilmore said. “The strength Amy will bring to each major race in 2016 will have a huge impact on our eventual results. Our athletes rely and depend on Amy in crucial moments of important races, and are extremely grateful for Amy’s endless selflessness.
“Anna Christian brings her bubbly personality and gorgeous smile to every race, it’s important to have such a character in every team,” Gilmore added. “It’s such a pleasure to work with Anna, she shows eagerness to learn and develop so we’ve invested in her longterm.”
Alongside the four British riders, Wiggle Honda has also confirmed that current athletes, Japanese Champion Mayuko Hagiwara, Italians Elisa Longo Borghini and Giorgia Bronzini, and Belgian Champion Jolien D’hoore; along with new signings, Swedish Champion Emma Johansson and Dutch all-rounder Amy Pieters.
More members of the 2016 team will be announced in the weeks ahead.
