Written by: Snowdon Sports

Victories in the CTT National 25, 50 and 100-mile championships in 2016 have landed Army captain Ryan Perry a spot on the UCI-registered Raleigh GAC squad for next season’s road racing programme.

The 29-year-old from Burnley in Lancashire has already proved his worth on the road with a string good performances for Metaltek-Kuota, not least a victory in the Tour of the Mining Valleys back in March where he beat riders from NFTO and JLT Condor to the top of the podium.

Bikes have long been an interest for Perry, who has turned his hand to mountain biking, cross-country and BMX as well as road and time trialling. But when he joined the army he turned his hand to Nordic skiing as well as focusing more on his bike riding.

“I’m really excited to be riding for Raleigh GAC next season,” said Perry. “I’m looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting stuck in. I’ve still got a lot to learn as a rider, and joining a big team like this will help me take my riding up a level.

“It’s great to be this year’s CTT Champion of Champions, but there’s still more to come from me – both on the road and in time trialling. I enjoy both time trialling and road racing although I like the numbers and technology involved in time trialling.

“But I will enjoy it whatever I’m doing, road or time trial – I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Former team-mate at Metaltek-Kuota, National Hill-Climb Champion Adam Kenway has also signed for Raleigh GAC, meaning Perry will have a familiar face in the team when they meet up for training camps.

Perry intends to train hard over the winter – mainly from his home in Lancashire but perhaps also some time in Spain – and lose some body fat so that he can attack the 2017 season in prime shape.