Gateway cycles in Abergavenny have always supported the race scene and it’s great to hear news that they will launch an all-encompassing cross-country team for 2013, showing support for the grass-roots and elite riders alike.

All photos © Joolze Dymond

Here’s the press release:

 A New Year – A New Level

Elite XC Rider Lee Williams joins forces with Gateway Cycles

After 10 solid years in the cycle industry, the friendly, family run, Gateway Cycles, situated in Abergavenny, are looking to move forward into their next decade, with a number of new and exciting initiatives.

2013 will see a relaunch of their approach to racing encompassing all levels from grass roots through to elite competition, with the formation of the Gateway Cycles Racing Team

The team has 6 key members and spearheading this, is the highly respected and experienced Elite cross-country and cyclo cross rider Lee Williams.

Williams heads into the new season with a host of titles to his name, including National Marathon Champion, Welsh Cross Country Champion, Welsh Cyclo Cross Champion to name but a few! Lee has been a prominent figure on the off road racing circuit for a number of years and 2013 is a year he wants to be one that he stamps his authority over a number of races:

“When the opportunity came along to ride for Gateway Cycles, with the backing of Scott bikes/accessories and Accelerade nutrition, I jumped at the chance they offered me. Next year I want my thrills to come from winning races and with this race specific backing from Gateway Cycles, it can only better my chances. I plan to race hard, with my main goal for the year being the National Cross Country Championships in Glasgow. Then should 2013 be as successful as I intend it to be I will be aiming for a medal in the Commonwealth Games.

It will be exciting to finally work with a group of enthusiastic people I have known for more than 10 years, I know our passion for the sport is unparalleled and I’m looking forward to donning the team kit and crossing those finish lines out in front, hands held high!!”

As Gateway Cycles are a family affair it seems only natural that the family will be part of the team, with husband and wife team Claire & Richard Bowen and Father Lynn Lines included in the team roster.

After a natural break to start a family, Claire and Richard are keen to get back to their respective racing circuits. Claire with a host of Welsh National titles to her name collected over the years, is eager to get stuck into the National Cross Country Series, with her eye firmly set on the National Masters Cross Country Championships, while further afield she has hopes to compete in the World Cyclo Cross Championships in 2014.

While husband Richard, after a number of years working as Course Service Manager and head mechanic for successful Continental racing team – Endura Racing, hopes to immerse himself gradually into the racing scene after this long lay off.

On behalf of the shop, Claire commented:

“2013 is a big year for us, after 10 years we are so excited to be in this position to take the shop forward with the creation of the new team. With fantastic backing from Scott, who will be proving the bikes, helmets, shoes and casual kit along with input from nutrition supplier Accelerade, and Paul Davis as our experienced Team manage, I’m sure we will make an unbeatable team both on and off the race circuits. Having Lee on board is an absolute bonus and we are delighted that we are able to help him on his way to achieve some goals. His dedication and passion underlines the whole ethos of our business!”

Claire’s father Lynn will step up to the ranks of Super Grand Vet and his aim is to set the cat amongst the pigeons in this ultra competitive category in cross country racing.

Adding to the line-up in Pete Turnbull, an established figure on the racing circuits both in endurance and cross-country. After a short sabbatical, Pete will be targeting the Grand Vet National Series overall and National Championships, with maybe a little dabble in the world of endurance as he aims to capture a National title in the Marathon Championships too.

The final member of the team is local rider Jon Moyle, who Gateway Cycles are keen to support as he takes the step up from grass roots local racing to the heady world of the National Cross country Series.

With so many ideas of dominating the racing circuit, Gateway Cycles are also planning on becoming the premier destination for all calibre of riders, offering a comprehensive service of bike demos and bespoke bike fitting, but more news on that later!

For more information about Gateway Cycles click here.