Hunt Journal

N+1 x LINDFIELD COFFEE WORKS R/T

It's one thing being able to develop our wheels to deliver results at World Tour events with the Canyon DHBteam, but it's equally important to look after things locally. We've been working closely with Dan Pullen of the N+1 Shop & Cafefor a couple of years now, from product testing to sales & support. He even raced on the HUNT team that won the Revolve 24-hour endurance race at Brands Hatch back in 2017.

New for 2019, Dan has launched a new team in collaboration with Lindfield Coffee Works, taking amateur local riders with ambitions of racing, and developing their skills. Speaking on the team & development program...

CANYON DHB WIN UK OPENER @ PERFS

3 years. 3 wins. 3 riders. We've come to love the Perfs Pedal Race, for obvious reasons. This weekend saw the 54th edition of the race, and another win for the Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homesteam, this time from new signing Jacob Vaughan. Following a successful training camp in Calpe and some racing in Mallorca, this was the ideal way to get their domestic campaign underway.

CANYON DHB P/B BLOOR HOMES - CALPE TRAINING CAMP GALLERY

The boys in blue (minus 5 riders who have other commitments) are out in Calpe for their pre-season training camp this month. Team photographer, Hugh McManus, has been out capturing the whole thing, from candid off-bike moments of relaxation, right through to the most impressive of gurns following hard training efforts. Here's a few of our favourites...

ON THE DROPS WITH STIJN DE BOCK

For this week's insight into the Canyon DHB p/b Bloor Homes training camp & 2019 preparations, we stole some time from one of Tim's new signings, and one of two new Belgian riders bolstering the ranks this season. Whilst Stijn De Bock is pretty handy on a bike, he's actually more famous for being Stijn De Bock. As an Elite (without contract) Belgian National Road Race champion, and a palmares that has seen him put many a World Tour rider away in sprints, we're keen to see what this man will bring to the team for the year ahead...

ON THE DROPS WITH STEVE BATE MBE

This week, we've been catching up with a rider who needs no introduction (mostly because we've already featured loads of his ridiculously epic riding). Steve Bate was a prolific climber, with sights on a solo attempt at the ridiculously tough El Capitamn in Yosemite, until he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in late 2011. After losing his driving license and ability to independently do the thing he loved, he turned to cycling.

For a hobby taken up as a second choice, Steve happens to be quite handy on a bike. This guy covers ground like carpet, it's absolutely unreal. He recently rode 501km across Scotland in 22hrs and 20mins. Not bad for a guy who's rapidly losing what remaining vision he does have left. He's an inspirational rider and all-round decent bloke, who won't take no for an answer.

GOSSE WINS NATIONAL TROPHY IN SHREWSBURY

We must admit, we were all too aware of our inexperience as 'UCI staff' when working in the pits for Gosse van der Meer yesterday. For a start, it was just Ollie there, as Stan & Dan were both out battling the course and the other riders. You'd think just having a dedicated pit crew, even if just one person, was a pretty special thing (it's certainly something we don't see at the London X League), however Ollie was surrounded by teams with up to 4 pit crew per rider! Paired with the fact that we couldn't get our pressure washer to start, and Ollie was sliding around the washing area in some Adidas Spezials asking to borrow other teams' water... we well and truly took on the role of 'plucky underdog' at the sixth and final round of the National Trophy in Shrewsbury this weekend.

ON THE DROPS WITH ALEX PATON

What a season this man has had! Following winning his debut race for the team at the 2018 PERFS down in Portsmouth, Rosie had his fair share of troubles and shunts through the mid-season. Everything came up trumps when he finished the year off with a memorable Sprints Jersey win at the Tour of Britain.

We caught up with the Aldershot-based rider to find out how he keeps ticking over during the off-season, what his targets are for 2019, and his views on Christmas binging...

GETTING TO THE HEART OF CYCLOCROSS...

We started working with Gosse almost exactly a year ago, to help us better understand cyclocross as being one of the most demanding disciplines out there on your equipment - especially your wheels! Every sponsorship avenue we explore, must revolve around the principles of innovation and development. Working closely with Gosse is no exception. The fact that he's a super nice guy & a pleasure to be around... well that's just a welcome bonus

ON THE DROPS INTERVIEW WITH TYDEMEN NEWMAN

There are two things you need to know before you meet Tydeman. First, he's probably faster than you. Second, you'll be stretched to find someone who gets so stoked on riding. The combination of these two factors makes for a dangerous mix. So we decided at the very last minute to see what makes Tydeman tick as we wrap up the Hill Climb season.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SET OF WINTER WHEELS

When selecting a wheelset to get you through the darker, colder and wetter months, it is essential to look past whether you have rim or disc brakes. At Hunt, we relish in smashing through the winter miles. If this is a morning commute to work, an hour jaunt early on Saturday or an all-day winter epic on Sunday – getting a wheelset to match your needs will make those miles pass by more easily (and save trashing your good wheels come summer).

PROJECT24: EDINBURGH TO THE NORTH SEA

Stephen Bates is more than just a bike rider. He is an adventurer, World Champion, Olympian and being a vision impaired rider and inspiration to what is possible. Coming off his win at the recent World Championships in Vancouver, Canada on the Velodrome, Stephen decided to take on a more endurance-focused challenge. Here is his story riding from Edinburgh to the North Sea.

STAGE RACE RECAP: RICH'S GILES REES MEMORIAL STAGE RACE

Rich is an incredibly fast rider. He's partial to the occasional hill climb and loves to get out and about on his beloved Argon 18. Recently, he did the Giles Rees Memorial Stage Race. Consisting of four stages over three days he said it was just like the Tour de France... but in Kent... and a lot shorter... and not as quick