Russell Downing already boasts an impressive career, with the national road race and national criterium championships on his palmares, and the not insignificant achievement of becoming Team Sky’s first British winner.

But it does not mean his newest challenge – riding alongside brother Dean for newly-formed British continental team NFTO – does not excite him.

With the Downing brothers, former Team Sky directeur sportif Sean Yates, and former BMC Racing man Adam Blythe all on board, the future looks bright for the Hereford-based squad.

And Downing told RCUK he is looking forward to being back out on his bike and challenging for honours in the national circuit race championship for the second consecutive year. See the full interview here.