UK Cycling Team at Pune Grand Tour Features Unusual Mix of Professions
The Schils Doltcini Racing Team, a UK-based cycling squad participating in the Union Cycliste Internationale 2.2 event Pune Grand Tour, presents a fascinating case study in balancing elite sports with demanding professional careers. Unlike typical professional cycling teams where athletes focus solely on their sport, this team boasts members with remarkably diverse day jobs that range from particle physics to criminal law.
From Particle Accelerators to Courtrooms
Carl Jolly, one of the team's cyclists, works as an accelerator physicist at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, a government-funded particle accelerator facility in Oxfordshire, UK. Jolly holds physics degrees from the University of Bristol and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Oxford alongside his cycling commitments. He explains his work involves using proton particle accelerators to generate intense beams of subatomic particles called neutrons and muons.
"It's essentially like getting an x-ray on your leg," Jolly describes. "But instead of seeing bones with an x-ray, with neutrons we see the positions of atoms in solid materials. This proves extremely valuable for applications like designing new batteries and advanced materials."
His workplace, like those of his teammates, provides generous leave policies and flexible deadlines to accommodate his cycling training schedule.
The Barrister Balancing Act
Eugene Cross brings legal expertise to the team as a practicing barrister specializing in criminal cases. After initially studying mechanical engineering, Cross switched to law and began his legal career just a couple of years ago. He manages the demanding combination of court appearances and cycling training through careful scheduling and the flexibility of self-employment.
"If I'm defending someone and they decide to plead guilty on the morning of trial, I can be home by lunchtime and go train on my bike," Cross explains. "During particularly busy weeks, I accept that I won't get as much training done. But the benefit of being self-employed is I can take as many holidays as needed for competitions."
Although self-employed, Cross belongs to a group of barristers who cover his cases when he travels to distant tournaments like the Pune Grand Tour.
Engineering Flood Defenses and Restaurant Service
Archie Cross works as a civil engineer at Atkins, focusing specifically on flood defenses and flood risk management. Interestingly, his company maintains offices in both Pune and Bangalore, allowing him to collaborate daily with colleagues based in Bangalore while competing in the Pune Grand Tour.
"I completed civil engineering degrees at Sheffield University before moving to Bristol for work," Archie remarks. "That's where I met several teammates, and our team essentially formed from cycling enthusiasts in Bristol."
At just 20 years old, teammate Matthew Ellmore works as a waiter at a police treatment center that provides rehabilitation services for injured police personnel. His employers accommodate his cycling ambitions with favorable shift arrangements.
"I'm really dedicated to cycling, and they understand this completely," Ellmore says. "I typically get shifts that allow me to train during daytime hours and work at night."
Breaking the Full-Time Athlete Myth
The team also includes Stevan Kervadec, who holds a master's degree in Physical Training, and Charlie Lacaille, with a master's in Chemistry. Together, these cyclists represent a compelling challenge to conventional wisdom about athletic preparation.
Team members express particular pride in demonstrating that athletes can compete at elite cycling events without abandoning their professional careers or other passions. Their varied backgrounds - spanning science, law, engineering, and service industries - prove that dedication and proper time management can successfully bridge the worlds of professional work and competitive sports.
The Pune Grand Tour Stage 4 competition began from Balewadi, with cyclists reaching the finish line at JM Road, showcasing these multi-talented athletes in action against more traditional full-time cycling professionals.
