Rowan Baker give us an insight into his plans for the 2024 race season

Rowan Baker give us an insight into his plans for the 2024 race season

Season Goals:

  • Win a UCI race

  • Pro team contract

  • U23 National TT Championships

Whilst I haven’t actually raced abroad yet at a UCI level I’m really keen to get stuck into the racing, especially with stage racing. I know there is probably a lot to learn, with the style of racing being completely different to what I’m used to in the UK. But, with winter training being really promising, I’d like to believe it wouldn’t be long before I can start to achieve the results and performances I need to attract the bigger attention of bigger teams. This means regular top 10’s and hopefully some wins and podiums.

Time Trials I feel will be an important part of my performances this year, and an area I believe I can do well in. Last year I was fortunate enough to be able to borrow a TT bike for the U23 TT Championships but the race itself was only the 2nd or 3rd ride I’d ever done on the TT bike. Although I was happy with my overall position at the race coming in 12th, I believe with some position refinements and aero work a podium would’ve definitely been on the cards. Therefore, the U23 National TT Championships is something I want to focus on this year.

Furthermore, watching the guys in the team last year compete at races such as the Olympia’s Tour, Tour du Pays de Montbeliard, Tour of Norway and Kreiz Breizh Elites - all 2.2’s starting with an ITT or prologue. Therefore, focusing more on TT’s I hope will allow me to be competitive on GC for the 2.2’s as well as each individual stage. 

Hopefully my performances throughout the year will result in selection for the Tour of Britain, where I’d love to be able to pick up a stage win. 

Summary:

Get stuck into all the .1’s and .2’s, learn and gain experience, and get some solid results at this level.