This years riders...

TOM COPELAND

We funded Tom in 2008 and after a successful season and the opportunity of a place in a higher division team he re-applied for funding for 2009.

Date of Birth: 18/02/1989

Coach: Sean Yates  Mentor: Dan Lloyd

The Team: Brest Iroise Cyclisme (BIC) 2000, division 1 espoir team

Based in: Brest in Brittany

Other riders: All french, including last years Brittany champion. 2 of the riders rode for the French National U23 team last year.

2009 aspirations: 'To win my first French race. To be selected, ride and finish the Tour of Brittany and Tour D'alsace'

DANIEL PATTEN

Dan has been racing competitively for 2 years and it was his very impressive results in his CV that made us select him as one of our 2009 riders.

Date of Birth: 11/07/1986

Coach:Adrian Timmis  Mentor: Roger Hammond

The Team: Cyclesport.se-Magnus Maximus Coffee.com.

Other riders: 7 Swedish riders

2009 calendar:A varied programme including racing in Belgium and France in the first part of the season, as well as racing in Sweden, UK, Norway, Poland, Estonia and Serbia. The main block of racing in Sweden that falls mid season is going to be an important aim for the team. They will also look to be going well in there own National championships, as will I for the British Championships in June.

2009 aspirations: 'It's going to be a year for gaining experience and developing as a rider. I'm going to work hard in the team and do the job that I'm asked to do, to get exposure and results for the team. It is important for me to show what I'm capable of doing as a rider at this level and beyond. '

ALASTAIR CARR

Alastair joined us later in the season and has produced

some promising results already.

Date of Birth: 27/9/88

Coach: Dave Le Grys 

The Team: COC Fougeres, a smaller set-up based in the town of Fougeres in the east of Brittany close to the border with Normandy and Pays de Loire.

Division: DN2  Based in: Fougeres Town Centre

Other riders: 2 other English guys, Matt Jones and Nathan Edmondson along with all the french team mate

2009 Aspirations: 'To build up my strength and endurance to a level where I can get consistently good results along with a few wins. Hopefully from there I will be able to move onto a bigger set-up for the next season, with the aim of progressing to a level where turning professional is a reality rather than a dream.'