Amira Mellor to join Matrix Fitness
Expanding its reach into another cycling discipline, Matrix Fitness added the rising star of British cyclocross Amira Mellor to the 2016 squad. Amira, from Yorkshire, officially joined after the current cross season finishes and becomes the team’s first dedicated cross rider. Having turned 18 just last week, Amira had rapidly risen up the world rankings to her current position, 45th. Starting the season in the USA she’d been boosted by the introduction of a World under 23 Championships in cyclocross. Amira held realistic hopes of reaching the World Championship podium in the coming seasons.
“My love of cyclocross is no secret and as soon as the announcement came introducing a U23 World Championship I began to think it was about time the team added a cross rider” commented team manager Stefan Wyman. “Cross is growing in popularity in the UK, but it’s mainstream in Belgium and Holland and will provide us with a winter focus to go alongside our commitments in the velodrome. Amira is hugely talented and is part of an expanding group of emerging cross riders from the UK. Hopefully we can continue the fantastic progression she has made with the Oldfield/Maul Milnes Cycles team.”
Amira will combine an increased road program with expert cyclocross input from Matrix Fitness team mentor Helen Wyman. With the opportunity to spend periods of time in Europe training with one of the world’s leading cross riders, as well as race and train with the teams squad in Belgium and Holland, the team hold high hopes for Amira. 2016 is also Amira’s last year in college and following completion of her exams she will embark on a full time career in cycling to see how far she can progress.
“I’m really excited and grateful to be joining Matrix Fitness for the 2016 season. This will be my first summer focusing on road and am really looking forward to the new challenges and experiences ahead. Once I’ve finished college I’ll be able to train full time and hopefully train aboard with Helen and the team” commented Amira. “I hope joining the team will help me make the next step internationally with my big focus on the U23 worlds in the new few seasons. Working with Stef and Helen so far has been a privilege and I am really looking forward to continuing to work with them as well as the rest of the Matrix team.”
Amira already had a bike fit in Manchester with CycleFit to ensure her Trek road bike for 2016 is perfect for her. On top of this, Amira has started work with Matrix Fitness team coach James Spragg as she continues to progress towards the National and World Championships in January. Amira was looking forward to being seen in the traditional blue and green of Matrix from March 2016.