RICHARDSONS-TREK team manager Andy Lyons has backed the team to go from strength-to-strength this year and consolidate its place as one of the best amateur teams in the country.

The Eastern-based team won many admirers last season and Lyons says the team is well positioned to kick on this time around, building on its impressive fifth place in the national rankings from last year.

“We are a very tight unit,” said Lyons, who doubles up as a rider and team manager. “We have a very strong nucleus of local riders, and local sponsors, and that keeps us close which is important in any team sport.

“Some teams only meet up for events but we are not like that and we have riders who will go the extra mile to help their team.”

Lyons was full of praise for the riders, with George Wood taking the plaudits for a number of stand-out performances early on in the season.

“We have the likes of Simon Alexander and Lloyd Chapman coming through and they are both young but each member of this team is hugely important.

“George could easily go on and ride professionally, and I hope he does one day.”

Lyons said the team’s goal this season is to continue progressing and rack up results in the Premier Calendar Series and National A/B events, with the Wilton GP on Sunday, May 10.

Lyons thanked the team’s sponsors for their continued support.