I chilled out at Liège-Bastogne-Liège U23 - and then took victory, explains British winning machine

Joe Blackmore set to make the step up to Israel-PremierTech ProTeam from the Academy next season

Joe Blackmore celebrates winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège U23
Joe Blackmore celebrates winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège U23
(Image credit: Israel – Premier Tech / Alexis Dancerelle)

Young British pro Joe Blackmore struck (yet) again at the weekend, winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège under-23 in what is arguably the most prestigious win so far in a season brimming with victories.

This latest win comes amid reports in French outlet DirectVelo that Israel-PremierTech Academy rider Blackmore has signed an inevitable-looking contract with the full ProTeam, for two years – "It's normal, given what he has shown," said DS Rik Verbrugghe.

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James Shrubsall

After cutting his teeth on local and national newspapers, James began at Cycling Weekly as a sub-editor in 2000 when the current office was literally all fields.

Eventually becoming chief sub-editor, in 2016 he switched to the job of full-time writer, and covers news, racing and features.

A lifelong cyclist and cycling fan, James's racing days (and most of his fitness) are now behind him. But he still rides regularly, both on the road and on the gravelly stuff.