16/08/2026
The Harpoon now strikes in a big UCI " Ronde Des Vallees" 3 stages North West France.
Over the last 3 years Harper has to be the most improved rider in the country.
Since joining 360 for coaching he has been on a long term plan, always looking towards the next stage of his development, trusting the process, gaining from the group work and often being a great support to younger riders in the same way older riders have supported him..
Anyone who attends Tameside over the winter will know he is more than happy to help others.
He was the number one ranked junior in the UK but trips to UCI races had proved hard without the experience or being acclimatised to the conditions.
So after a few unsuccessful trips he took the decision to miss a major UK race and fully commit to this race. He and his family all went out 10 days before the race to train at the race location in the heat, drinking the water, breathing the air, riding the roads.
Over the days he trusted the training plan, fed back to his coach and adapted the work he was doing. At first the heat was a problem.....we expected that, but gradually his body started to adjust.
By last Wednesday/ Thursday the numbers started to look very good. And his confidence started to grow.
Stage one, fairly flat and he rides well in the group coming over in touch with the leaders.
In the TT he had the ride of his life, hitting good power and averaging just under 30mph on a bumpy course....approaching the line he is about to catch his 1 minute man and he knows its a great time........but disaster.....his chain drops and jams up..... he ends up well down.
Very mature, he picks himself up and knows it's now all or nothing. So stage 3, a very hard 65 mile he looks to be positive and helps instigate a break.
He rides hard, wanting this to stay away and ends up away in a group of 3. However the other 2 are team mates and keep attacking him, so he knows that if he keeps chasing....he will cook himself.
Harper decides to drop into his own comfortable rhythm and rides solo.
He is then caught by 3 others .....but because he has been sensible and paced the last 3rd of the race he gets away from with 1 other them drops the 3rd ob the last climb to take a very impressive 3rd place.
For Harper, this is a massive result and a great reward for the trust he has placed in himself and his coach.
Big thanks to Lee Valley Youth Cycling for giving Harper the chance to ride the race. Also, teams like Lee Valley play a big part in providing opportunities to young UK based riders
A lot of credit should also go to mum and dad for last minute planning a summer break around this race. The full family has committed to make this possible.
Brilliant work Harper! Another step towards your ultimate goal.
Oh Red monster also did the youth race and finished 5th went solo for a time. In the break....no sprint. Good work kid.