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2018 has been a year of firsts for me - first time starting university, first time riding for a fully sponsored team, first national road events and my first year as an under-23. Balancing my career aspirations in cycling and my full time degree has been challenging this year, however, it has had its benefits, including the famous Bath gym, a five minute stroll from my accommodation. Bath has provided me with some amazing roads and hills to train on and I feel that my cycling has come on leaps and bounds.

The first part of the racing year consisted of gelling with my new team BPF racing and getting used to riding for myself but also for other people which has been rewarding. Without my team, I simply would not be able to get to races whilst at university and for that I am forever grateful. We have had some good results and at one point I was sitting fourth overall in the Cotswold league ready to take the overall, until my appendix exploded and both my cycling and my exams took a major hit.

Coming back after surgery is never easy but it is especially tough when you were flying and feeling strong. Although the season is not a write off, it has still taken a lot of training and mental discipline to get back to where I was before. I have to thank my amazing sponsors, especially the BPF hub in Tetbury for their help in my rehabilitation as well as my Dad who has been a one-man army this year. During my come back, I took part in the Paul Bennett Memorial time trial coming fourth overall and the fastest under-25, a good start. Afterwards I took part in the Bristol GP as part of the HSBC Grand Prix series. Although this did not go to plan, it was a great experience for the level of competition that I will be facing next year.

Now that most of my strength has returned, I can look forward to the second half of my season which focusses on the National 25, the regional championship, racing abroad in Belgium in late August, as well as more time-trialling, of course.

Next year looks even more promising with the chance to race the entire premier calendar with the team as well as access to my time trialling equipment during term time.

Without CTTs' help this year I would not have been able to compete at this level and I cannot thank them enough for their help alongside all my sponsors and supporters.