After a busy spring and the first half of the summer, Team Boompods are heading into the business end of the season. Well into a busy year of racing, we catch up with Team Co-Manager Hannah Farran about how it’s going and looking ahead to the rest of the schedule.
The 2022 season has given Team Boompods plenty to smile about so far, with some excellent performances from riders throughout the squad. This was the year the team wanted to put down a marker and show they can compete on a national level against the best teams in the country.
And that’s exactly what they’ve done. With the Tour Series over for another year and the National Circuit Series and National Road Series well under way, Team Boompods have shown they can mix it with the best of them at a national level.
The Tour Series this year comprised of seven rounds which took riders north into Scotland and south to Clacton-on-Sea. The team secured one individual round win where Ellen stormed to victory in Barking and also a team win in Manchester by Monica, Amy, Lucy and Sian.
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(Credit: Velo UK)
(Credit: Velo UK)
(Credit: Velo UK)
(Credit: Velo UK)
Hannah said: “The exposure The Tour Series gives us as a team is invaluable, as the race was streamed live on YouTube along with highlights being shown on ITV4. We finished third in the teams classification, joint second on points, which was just the kind of performance we were looking for.”
The team began the 2022 National Road Series in May with the Lincoln GP, where Ellen finished sixth and the team had four riders finishing inside the top 20. Melton Mowbray was the setting for round two, the Women’s CiCLE Classic.
Hannah said: “CiCLE was a tough round for us with Covid-19 and mechanicals affecting the team on the day. Monica was a best-placed rider on the day in 10th.
“The team then headed to Teesside for round three, the Stockton GP. A home race for us meant our riders were keen to put on a show. We planned to race aggressively and line Monica up for the sprint.
“Despite our best efforts, it was not meant to be, however, we still had two riders in the top 15 with Monica in fifth and Mary 12th.”
(Credit: SWpix Cycling)
(Credit: Darran Moore Photography)
Boompods now sit second in the overall team standings. Hannah said: “This is an excellent position for us to be in at this stage, which highlights just how far we have developed as a team. We have four events left in the road series between now and September to cement our position in second and to push CAMS Basso for first place. Both Monica and Mary have been two stand-out riders for us so far; their professionalism and drive is infectious which pushes us all to improve.”
A highlight for the team has been winning the Proper Northern Road Race Series, with Mary taking two round wins, and a strong performance by the team saw us take both the individual and team series win in Lancashire.
Hannah said: “The whole team are really happy with where we are at this stage of the season. The dedication the riders have shown to racing and the team is outstanding. The hard work of Nikki Metcalfe (co-manager) and her husband Phil must not go unnoticed.
“Both play an active role travelling to races to support the riders and also they do a lot of work behind the scenes to keep the team running effectively.”
Their upcoming schedule for July is:
Follow Team Boompods as they aim for individual and team glory as the road and circuit series come to a conclusion over the coming weeks. Check out their Instagram and follow our own Facebook and Instagram.
