AUGHTON cyclist James Stewart is swapping the shelves of the supermarket for the hills of Thailand after winning the opening road race of the new season, writes Philip Kirkbride.
The KFS Special Vehicles rider triumphed at the Perfs Pedal Race in Hampshire and has since left his job at Aldi to become a full-time cyclist.
The victory signals the start of Stewart’s career taking off and he has just been selected by KFS to ride in the Tour of Thailand at the beginning of March.
Used to winning time trials, Stewart basked in the glory of his first road race victory, which he won by 10 seconds.
He said: “It was a brilliant feeling and a great race to win so I’m made up.
“I’m used to winning time trials so there was a real sense of elation when I went over the line.�
Between March 8 and 16 Stewart will embark on only his third ever stage race but is confident he can make an impact in Thailand.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to it as I’ve never had a race outside Europe so it will be a big adventure.
“There will be a world-class field in Thailand so it’s going to be hard but I am confident with my form at the moment.
“The KFS manager Harry Lodge has been brilliant and since November has given me a full training programme which is something I’ve never had before.
“With the results I’ve been having it means I keep having more and more faith in the programme.�
Stewart will be riding closer to home on Saturday when he takes part in the Eddie Soens Memorial Race at Aintree.
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