Our talented British climber, is getting himself ready to start his second season in the Academy’s outfit. After a 2019 filled with highs and lows, we could see Hartley finishing in the runner-up spot in Giro Valle della Aosta before putting on a solid climbing performance in Tour d’Alsace. “I’m buzzing for the season to start, everyone in the team gets on really well and we have a good bond which is perfect going into the season. We have worked really hard and I hope the work I have put in will pay off in 2020 with some big results. The main focus for me will be in mountainous stage races and hilly one day races which start later but we have a great program at the Academy to prepare for that period. Early season I will be looking at helping the guys in the team in sprints and personally becoming a more rounded rider” points out the 21-year old. 

Hartley, together with most of his 2020 teammates, is currently in Loutraki where they are enjoying the first training camp of the season. However, the British climber will follow a similar approach to the one he had last year and will stay in Greece in-between both training camps, aiming to make the most of the good weather and variety of terrains that this fantastic location offers. “We are coming to the end of the fist camp now but I will stay here in Greece until the end of the next camp to continue my preparation for the coming season. The camp has been really good with some nice base miles and top quality efforts. Everything has gone really well and we have been looked after really well here. I have got better as the camp has progressed and I am feeling good for the season ahead”. 

The British rider, who will enter into his last season as U23, highlights the increasing team chemistry and how the good vibe in the team will only help to achieve the team objectives as well as each individual’s goals. “The vibe in the team is great we all get on really well and have a good bond. Which is key for racing as we can work to everyone’s strengths and have trust in each other on delivering the goal. Everyone isn’t here currently on the first camp but when we all met on the first team weekend there was a spark from the start with great banter and good times!”