Reuben is on his way to Europe for team camp to start his next exciting Chapter in his cycling career with one of the best U23 Development teams in the World! This amazing opportunity for Reuben is testament to his incredible attitude, self confidence and work ethic that has taken him from strength to strength to become not only one of the best U19 riders but a hot new prospect on the U23 scene!

As a ‘team’ we have worked with Reuben’s domestic team Skoda Fruzio, his French team Velo Sport Valletais and Cycling New Zealand resulting in a break through year with wins in Europe, a great Worlds program representing his country and 2 days in the Young Rider Iersey at the Tour Of Southland and very nearly a win.

With these fantastic results and his approach and attitude fast gaining attention in Europe it was no surprise when the offers came knocking.

Although we will no longer have day to day input with Reuben’s coaching with his team taking over these duties in 2020 we look forward to watching his progress and providing support where we can in the years to come.

Before heading to Europe Reuben reflected on the last 6 months with ESP. What a blast it has been!

I began working with Patrick and Tammy in May when I made my switch from Triathlon to Cycling. My younger brother had been previously coached by Patrick and Tammy. During this period I was able to see the work they were doing with him and see there style of coaching. I liked there approach which implemented the use of technology and was very data driven. I felt this suited me as an athlete, so when I made the switch I already had Patrick and Tammy as my first pick of coaches.  

We began training in May with only one month to prepare for my campaign in France. We increased my training load considerably as well as the intensity of the sessions. I spent the month slogging away in the cold and wet but my numbers were improving almost daily. One week before I set oft Europe I did a 20 minute test. In those three weeks I had already increased my FTP by nearly 30 watts. I was super confident with the training Patrick and Tammy were giving me as I set off to Europe.

Within two weeks of landing in France I had my first win. It was super reassuring for me to be winning over the distance of a longer road race coming from a background in Triathlon where we only race for 20km on the bike.  I was setting power personal bests in almost every race. These races were in preparation for my first UCI Tour the Ain Bugey Valromey Tour. This was my first major international junior race and my first chance to see where I stack up on the big stage. 

Every day we briefed and debriefed the race and planned for what was to come. Patrick and Tammy supported me with everything including tactics and nutrition. I learnt so much through this race and came away with a super good result showing myself I could really be competitive. This was only two months into my time with Patrick and Tammy and I was still improving consistently. Their program was really working for me. 

From there I continued to race the biggest one day junior races in France with a few podium finishes. I then received the news that I had qualified for the Junior World Championships for both the Road Race and the Individual Time Trial. We had around 4 weeks to put the final touches on my preparation for this event. At the event I produced two performances that I wouldn’t have believed I was capable of 4 months prior when I began cycling. 

Being coached by Patrick and Tammy has opened up so much for me in Cycling and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough to anyone keen to progress to the elite level of cycling. 

Reuben Thompson

We wish Reuben all the best for Team Camp and 2020!