POULTON-BASED Performance Cycles – the go-to shop in the Cotswolds for those looking to buy a road, track or triathtlon bike – launched their 2015 race teams at the weekend.

Continuing their long-standing ethos of club rider development, they have formed both a new youth/junior team and a women’s squad alongside their already well-established senior men’s team.

“Since we first sponsored an U23 team back in 2012, rider development has been the focus of what we do,” said Andy Kirk, team principal and Performance Cycles’ co-owner .

“This is now more evident than ever.

“The 2014 season was a great one for us, with the men’s team setting the standard for others to follow.

“But more important than that is breaking new ground with the development of the women’s team and the junior/youth team – all of which happened organically from the club.

“Now we’re in a position to support them further and give them a clear pathway for development.”

The core of the successful 2014 men’s team remains, including 2013 Cotswold League champion Rory Gilling as well as multiple race winners Tony Kiss and Dan Guest.

They are joined by ex-UK Youth and Team Raleigh professional James Stewart, along with Mike Ward and Joe Barry.

These additional riders not only add to the strength and depth of the team, but also provide a wealth of knowledge for the younger members of the squad to learn from.

Performance Cycles also continue to provide bikes for local triathlon specialist Jenny Manners, the former Loughborough University student who has a couple of world championship gold medals to her name.

The teams continue to be supported by Kuota bikes, Reynolds wheels, Met helmets, OptiLabs sunglasses and GSG clothing – who between them supply the riders with equipment that is the envy of some pro teams.

They can also turn to the support of Les Slinn Personal Training in Swindon, who work with the team off the bike to support their development – and also put them through their paces on their state-of-the-art Wattbike (as used by the all-conquering British national team).

Men: James Stewart, Dan Guest, Tony Kiss, Rory Gilling, Joe Barry, Mike Ward.

Women: Harriet Guest, Jo Jago, Rebecca Waters, Jo Cassidy, Rebecca Tarn Haestier.

Junior/U23: Jack Thomson, Will Gregory, Matt Newell, Sil Bonestroo.

U16: Will Crofts, Sam Adey, James Ellis, Mark Newell.

Further details about the club, the teams and how to get involved can be found on the club website www.

performancecycles.cc.