We will launch our 2019 season when we take to the start line at the first edition of UCI 1.2 Vuelta CV Féminas tomorrow, Sunday 10 February. The newly founded race from Paterna to Valencia in Spain will see 2018 CANYON//SRAM Zwift Academy winner Ella Harris (NZL) debut. Rotem Gafinovitz (ISR) and Hannah Ludwig (GER) will also have their first appearances for the team and will be joined by Alice Barnes (GBR), Tiffany Cromwell (AUS) and Tanja Erath (GER) to complete the roster.

“I’m really looking forward to racing in the CANYON//SRAM colours with the team for the first time. I’m excited to work with the more experienced riders and follow their direction so I am able to assist the team in achieving success,” beamed Harris.

The 20 year old is currently with the team at its training camp just south of Valencia and is enjoying the start of her professional contract.

“I’m really liking being an official member of the team as it makes the camp a lot easier and far more enjoyable, without the uncertainty and stress of the Zwift Academy finals. I’m able to train and relax knowing that this is actually my team. That’s a significant change from the dream that it used to be!”

The race has attracted a strong line up of teams including Movistar, Alé Cipollini and Lotto Soudal Ladies Team and is scheduled to be broadcast live on Eurosport.

“It’s a rare occasion that I do a race that I haven’t done before. I’m excited for it. It’s been a long wait to start racing this year so I’m eager to finally get the season started. I know everyone is motivated and ready to go. It should be nice and sunny. So hopefully we can start the season on a high for the team,” said Cromwell.

“It’s only a short race but I think it’ll be quite fast being flat. We have a young but motivated group. We want to go into every race with the goal to try and win. At the same time, this is a smaller race and our first, so we want to use that opportunity to take chances, take initiative and if it doesn’t work out, we learn from it and take those learnings into the next bigger races. It’s also a chance for the younger riders to gain important race experience without the pressure of say a Women’s WorldTour race,” added Cromwell.

How: 88.5km with 4 x 7km city circuits  to finish

Where: Paterna – Valencia

When: 09:10-11:25 CET

Who: Live streaming on Eurosport and Eurosport Player, Twitter coverage on @VueltaCV and with #VCV2019

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