The Utmost Wealth Isle of Man Junior Cycling Team was launched in Douglas last week.

The outstanding quality of the island’s junior cyclists was highlighted recently when it was confirmed the Isle of Man team was the best in the country over the course of the 2019 British Cycling Junior Road Series.

The premier road racing series for junior riders will once again be the main focus for the Isle of Man team as it launches into the new season in early March.

The 2020 season will consist of nine rounds over the length and breadth of the country, starting on March 22 with the Hatherleigh Junior Road Race in Devon and ending with the Junior Tour of Wales in late August.

The three-day Isle of Man Youth and Junior Tour between May 22 and 24 will include round four of the series.

Five of the 10 riders in this year’s squad were also members of the all-conquering set-up last year, then under the name of Equiom Isle of Man Junior Team.

Three riders of that slightly smaller squad have graduated (riders only have junior status for two seasons), of which Max Walker and Tosh Teare have both gone to UCI under-23 development teams. The third, Adam Scarffe, is attending the University College Isle of Man but is to continue racing locally.

The five ’old hands’ are Will Corkill, James Harrison, Corrin Leeming, Aaron Lund and Nick Kissack (all aged 17), while the new boys are 16-year-olds Matt Black, Jack Christian, Matt Cooil, Tyler Hannay and Brayden Roche.

Corkill and Harrison will be get their season off to an earlier start when guesting for UK teams in the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne one-day race on March 1, while there will again be a sojourn to the Netherlands for a stage race in late April in which Tosh Teare finished runner-up last year.

Mike Foy - chief executive at Utmost Wealth Solutions in Walpole Avenue, Douglas - has already seen the success achieved by competitors representing the Isle of Man Swimming Association both on the national and international stage.

’Utmost Wealth has been a corporate partner of Isle of Man swimming for seven years, first under the brand name of AXA but then Utmost following a private equity buyout in 2016.

’We have been involved with the Dolphin Trophy galas (for primary school children) right through to the senior island squad at top level. Isle of Man Swimming has been an excellent ambassador and I’m super excited to announce the partnership with another universal sport.

’We have a big presence in Europe, so it is also good to get exposure there. We will be looking to promote the cycling team’s success in our company.

’Paul Thompson, our group CEO in London, is cycling mad and will be following the team’s every move.

’This has been a no-brainer really, but it is very much a case of sponsoring a programme initiative, not simply eight or 10 riders at any one time.’

Team spokesman, Marcus Cooil, who was a key member of the Isle of Man swimming squad when he was competing at Island and Commonwealth Games level, recognises the importance of sponsorship such as that received by Utmost Wealth.

’It is a massive boost to the team. We all appreciate the help and support that such a tie-up brings, not only the funding but the partnership and the people involved.

’It is a great relationship. The boys are incredibly pleased with the backing that will assist them at national and international level.’