The world’s elite female cyclists will be pedalling past some of East Anglia’s greatest landmarks this June.
There are 16 teams competing in the Aviva Women’s Tour this year, each fielding a six-rider line-up in the five day race.
There will be UCi trade teams as well as national teams, including those from the USA and Germany.
Each of the teams will pick their six rider line-up from their full-season squad of riders.
Generally, teams will approach the race with their riders in designated roles – such as a team leader to aim for a place as high as possible on the general classification, a sprinter to achieve stage wins, a specialist climber for the hilly stages and several helpers or domestiques.
Domestiques are given the aim of helping their team leaders. This sort of support may include sheltering their leaders from the wind, fetching food and drink and helping with mechanical problems. While they may not share the glory of the team leaders, they are vital to the success of any team. When it comes to the sprinters, the entire team, including the team leader, will work together to get the sprinter to the finish line.
Meet the teams here:
Wiggle Honda
This is a really exciting team to look out for as it includes Olympic Champion Dani King and double World Champion Giorgia Bronzini who also recently won the Tour of Chongming Island World Cup race in China.
The team has a strong British core and includes several other high profile riders.
Pearl Izumi
Lots of spectators will be looking out for Dame Sarah Storey who is part of the Pearl Izumi team. She has won multiple medals, including gold, at the Paralympics and is an inspiration to cyclists and sports people everywhere.
She will be joined by a number of other respected cyclists to compete in the Women’s Tour.
Velocio SRAM
Made up of ten top cyclists from all over the globe, Velocio SRAM is an interesting team that features experienced riders as well as new talents. Included is Lisa Brennauer who is the current World Time Trial Champion and Trixi Worrack who is several times UCI TTT World Champion.
Orica AIS
This Australian team includes gifted cyclists from all over the world, such as Valentina Scandolara and Gracie Elvin. Joining them is Emma Johansson (pictured), Silver medallist at the 2008 Olympic Games and ranked number 3 in the world.
Matrix Fitness
This team represents the very best of the British domestic race scene, including double Olympic Gold Winner Laura Trott. It also includes Elinor Barker who is World Champion in Track as well as Junior World Champion.
Several more talented cyclists make up this exciting group and they will definitely be one to watch out for.
Bigla Pro Cycling
This Swiss team has a number of top cyclists, including Sharon Laws, 2012 British National Road Race Champion and 2014 Strava Queen of the Mountains, as well as Shelley Olds who was part of team USA at the 2012 Olympics.
They are joined by a number of other respected riders, including Vera Koedooder, Lisa Klein and Iris Slappendel.
Other teams taking part include:
Ale Cipollini
Bigla Pro Cycling
Boels Dolmans – last year
Germany
Liv Plantur
Optum
Poitou Charentes – Futuroscope 86
Rabo Liv
UnitedHealthcare
USA
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