Jack Billyard, 20
Zappi’s, Rimini, Italy
It's your second season with Zappi’s.
Yes. Adapting to the lifestyle was easier, but other things were harder, such as going for results in the majority of races, whereas last year the aim was to finish. It was a nice change though and it was a pressure that you have to relish, as to do well you need the opportunity in the first place.
How have you developed in two years?
I am able to understand racing a lot better. I can make decisions out on the road with team-mates and have confidence knowing that it’s the right thing to do. The more you race, the more you understand how the race flows and it’s a rhythm you can get into.
Pleased with your season?
I have to be happy with what I have been able to achieve, given the limited resources the team has. Ultimately, I have been able to move on to UC Monaco for 2018, who are a better team, so I class this season as a success.
Will you miss Italy?
I’ll still be racing in Italy a lot, including many of the same races, but I don’t really enjoy racing there. The races are very similar: very hard on the climbs and always the same riders winning. This year we raced in the Belgian Ardennes and the Ronde de L’isard and I really enjoyed racing both.
Excited about next season?
I can hardly contain myself, to be honest. I’m going out in a month’s time for a month and then I move out in January. The team are wellknown, get entries to a lot of races and they tailor their calendar around each rider’s qualities, so there are races for all of us to aim for. I’m looking forward to more racing.