If you’ve been following us for a little while, you may have noticed that in the autumn of 2021 we casually slipped into the online conversation that we have a race team now… which is pretty cool, right!? We’re delighted to be the title sponsor of the Stolen Goat Race Team. A collective of riders who see a start line and say: “bring it on”. Who aren’t afraid to stick on a number and see what happens. Who embody the Stolen Goat spirit of ‘Adventure More’. They ride together, support each other and race all over the country. Time trials, road races, MTB, CX… you name it, they’ll probably be racing it!
With a men’s and women’s team training and racing on equal terms, and some incredible racing already this year there’s going to be big things to come for this group of goats. We’re very excited to follow their journey and share it with the rest of The Herd. And the best news? You’ll soon be able to get your hooves on your very own version of the incredible Stolen Goat Race Team kit! Here at HQ we’ve had major kit envy, so we can’t wait for this new collection to drop.
We caught up with SGRT team manager, Simon Jodrell to hear more about the team and their plans for the upcoming season…
Big goals and a whole lot of riding… Team Manager Simon Jodrell tells us a bit more about the Stolen Goat Race Team
“The ethos of the team is to assist riders to realise their full potential…”
The race team was formed in 2014. Stolen Goat got involved as a kit supplier (now in their third year) and 2022 is the first year with Stolen Goat as our title sponsor. Initially, the team was just a group of likeminded friends who wanted to race locally. Now it’s evolved to include female riders, juniors and Para cyclists.
We focus on road and circuit racing, however we have riders who compete across almost every discipline including CX, MTB, Time Trial, Hill Climb, Track and Hand Cycling.
“Our riders range from students to former Olympians and Paralympians…”
We have a broad spectrum of riders, both male and female. Our riders range from students to former Olympians and Paralympians, with a good mix in-between. All our riders fit their racing and training around their studies and careers.
Of course, our aim is to win! But really, the ethos of the team is to assist riders to realise their full potential: to enable them to develop their racing and progress through the sport.
“Each rider has their own targets… Top 10 in a National A Road Race is certainly achievable.”
As a team, we have multiple goals for the 2022 race season. Each rider has their own targets which we’ll help them to achieve. A National B Road Race win is certainly on the cards for our male and female squads. And I’d say a top 10 finish in a National A Road Race is certainly achievable also. Individual targets include National Championship titles in time trial and track races, and we’ll be helping our newest riders progress from the 4th or 3rd categories up to the 2nd category – and beyond! Later in the season, some of our riders will also shift their focus onto CX wins.
“There’s been multiple successes over the years… but just having a team of riders who get on, support each other and have fun racing is a big success from my point of view.”
Some of the standout moments for us as a team has been seeing riders progress into the professional ranks, taking wins at National B level and most recently: one of our female riders taking 2nd place in her very first road race. There have been multiple successes over the years. But aside from results, just having a team of riders from all backgrounds that all get on, support each other and have fun racing is a big success from my point of view.
“Running the team is a team effort. I’m lucky to work with such a great group of riders.”
As Team Manager, I’m lucky to work with such a great group of riders – it makes the job easy and enjoyable. For the main part, I’m entering teams into races, arranging logistics, liaising with sponsors, suppliers and race organisers, alongside checking in with our riders and how they’re doing – both on and off the bike.
Come race day, you’ll find me pumping up tyres and pinning on numbers. I’ll also be out on the course passing water bottles up during the race, and then congratulating or consoling riders as necessary once they’ve finished.
Having Jo Bates (Head of Performance Programme Support at British Rowing) and Dr Tom Kirk (Custom Cycle Coaching) on hand to help and provide advice is invaluable. Running the Stolen Goat Race Team really is a team effort.
“Keep an eye out for us this year… we’ve got riders taking on some pretty amazing endurance challenges!”
Keep an eye out for us this year. This race season you’ll catch us at the Tour Series, the CiCLE Classic and plenty of other big races around the UK. We’ve also got riders taking on some pretty amazing endurance challenges! Lands’ End to John O’Groats off road anyone?
“My advice to someone who’s thinking about getting into cycle races? Do it!”
If you’re thinking about trying your hand at some bike races my advice is: do it! At whatever level. Pinning on a number is a thrill that is hard to describe. Get involved with a local cycling club who can help guide you to your first race, and look out for initiatives in your region that can help you to build your race craft. The British Cycling website is a great place to start. But most of all: have fun and stay safe.
Make sure you follow the Stolen Goat Race Team on Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date with their latest adventures. The Stolen Goat Race Team Collection will be launching on Tuesday 15th March at 11 am GMT. Featuring jerseys, shorts and accessories this is some seriously cool kit that you’ll definitely be wanting to add to your collection. Make sure you’ve subscribed to our newsletter to get first dibs!