Vitus Pro Cycling Team https://www.facebook.com/VitusProCycling/posts/10155582200333439
Introducing Joshua Hunt
One of the most experienced riders in the team for 2018 is Joshua Hunt. Racing a bike began for him as a junior (under 19), so relatively late to the party compared to many riders who come into the sport as youth riders but as he explained to the team, he got stuck in straight away and spent time in Belgium as a junior hacking it out in the 'gutter of death' as he calls it.
"Career highlights for me so far, are mainly from 2016, merely down to the level of races that we were doing" explains Joshua. "Racing in events like Het Nieuwsblad (big Belgium classic), are memories I will never forget. The Tour de Yorkshire in 2015, going over many of my training roads, was also a big highlight for me, even if I did lose a few KOM's along the way!"
For many riders in the peloton, doing a job for a team leader means they rarely get a chance to shine themselves. Is that something we asked, he is looking forward to in 2018 with Vitus Pro Cycling?
“This is a year I see as opportunity" he replies "and a big chance to show my potential. I've had a few years of 'close but no cigar' so I think, in a good positive environment, and within a team that want to win and be successful, which we have, who knows what we can do. It's a great bunch of guys, who all want to show themselves and prove they are worthy to be at the top. I'm very excited to see what we can achieve. I'm really looking forward to turning a few heads, with the team".
It isn't just the experience that Joshua has had himself he can call upon to help the younger riders in the team but Joshua's brother, Jeremy, a former double British Road Race Champion, has even more! "Jez has helped me a lot over the years. He's a man of few words, but when I've been in need, them words have always made a difference."
"I learnt a lot from him, especially when I was out in France and Belgium as an 18/19 year old. Any advice from a rider like him is very valuable, and I've certainly soaked up as much as I can. I certainly wouldn't be where I am today, without his advice, as well as a few other individuals who have helped me along the way, so I'm very grateful to all the help I’ve received".
Over the years, Joshua has had many a good result, and when asked what his strengths are as a rider, he explains "my biggest strength I would say, is ‘versatility’. I've been thrown into many different types of races in the past, at all levels, and have always been able to do the job asked of me, and be at the front end of the bike race."
"I have a very methodical approach to racing, and I like to think I'm relaxed in stressful situations, so that will be key this year I think. Making big decisions in races mid race isn't an easy thing to do, so I hope to be able to make these decisions for the team when required, and use my experience to make sure it’s the right choice."
Having spoken to riders down south of England and up north, I don't think there is a place a rider can go to in order to get away from the weather so how has Joshua coped with the British winter? "Winter training has been going well. I had a good long break after the 2017 season, as I feel it's important mentally to take a step back and go away from the bike".
"I made sure I was ready and raring to go when I got back on it in November. I spent a couple of weeks before Xmas in Gran Canaria building up some endurance, but mostly I've been toughing it out in the good old north. I spent the winter in Italy last year, and I think it made me a bit soft, so I'm looking at the cold winter training as a good thing. Saying that though, I'm looking forward to getting down to Spain for the team camp in a few weeks!"
Asked about goals for 2018 with Vitus Pro Cycling, he says "The main goals for 2018 with the team will be the national series races, and qualification for the Tour of Britain. It is also important for us to give our sponsors what they deserve in the top UK road races and crits.
“The team calendar isn't finalised just yet, so more specific goals for the team and individual riders is still to be decided. The first major objectives will be the April races, with a few prems there, as well as the Rutland”.
“For me, I will always look forward to Chorley GP as it's pretty local to me, so there is some big motivation there. I've not been in real top shape at that race before, so I'll be looking forward to that one this year definitely. The Tour de Yorkshire is also a race I always look forward to. Whether we get invited or not, is yet to be decided, but regardless, it's a great race, and I'd certainly grab the opportunity to give it 100% if the chance arises".
Thank you Joshua for the chat and we look forward to seeing you on the road soon. ... See more
