Cover and feature image: Chris Keller-Jackson

Despite Storm Doris causing havoc and one of the SunSport Velo team riders being stuck on a train between Birmingham and Manchester, the team launched their new kit and race plans for 2017.

The launch saw a presentation by owners of the team, Neil Lee and Stuart Percival and Phil Jones MBE, managing director of Brother UK, the team’s title sponsor. Along with a handful of the team, the event revealed the new team kit from Pactimo, and the Cervelo R2 team bike.

With the help of the information, communication and technology services provider, Brother UK, the team has been able to boost its roster for the season. Through the team, the management aims to raise the profile of women’s cycling in the UK – with the riders competing on the road, track and in cyclocross.

The SunSport Velo team roster includes: Lizzy Banks (26), Liz Burrows (33), Vicki Fearn (35), Felicity Gledhil (16), Hannah Larbalestier (23), Gabriella Nordin (28), Seonaid Thompson (31) and Rosie Walsh (17).

They have their sights set on competing in a number of national events this year: Matrix GP series, London Nocturne, Tour de Yorkshire, National Road Race series, Women’s Team series and various track events and leagues around the UK.

Excited for the race season ahead, 17 year old Rosie Walsh has already been out enjoying her new Cervelo R2 team bike:

today I got to ride my shiny new bicycle ✨ and I loved it ✌????@PeakCyclesport @SunsportRt @BrotherCycling pic.twitter.com/Ewjjzr7C4E

— rosie (@rosiiewalsh) February 26, 2017