Fred Wright reached new heights in 2023 after taking his first skilled win, and an enormous one at that, on the British Nationwide Championships, however felt he was “left wanting extra” after a damaged collarbone prematurely ended his season.
Wright sustained his harm on the Renewi Tour when a late crash on stage 4 noticed him bloodied and cradling his proper arm. He did state that the anticlimactic finish to his season has left him hungrier for 2024, with the Tour of Flanders and Olympics on the forefront of his ambitions.
“Successful the Nationals was clearly the massive spotlight for the yr and the Tour was wonderful for the workforce,,” Wright instructed Cyclingnews throughout Rouleur Dwell.
“However I’m type of left a bit disillusioned as a result of I broke my collarbone and mainly didn’t have the top of the season I hoped for… however that’s an excellent factor as a result of I’m actually motivated for subsequent yr.”
Wright took his second top-ten end on the Tour of Flanders in April, solely dropping out to one-day stars of the calibre of Tadej Pogačar (UAE Group Emirates), Mathieu van der Poel Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma). The spotlight win of 2023 on the British Nationwide Champs then arrived in June, previous to the Tour de France.
It was a breakthrough victory for Wright on a course not notably suited to him on paper given the 4000m of vertical climbing on the 189km course. However his emotionally charged efficiency lastly assured him a stint within the British Champion’s jersey.
“I believe it [his season] constructed actually properly. I confirmed in Flanders that I used to be at an excellent degree, doing it once more for the second time was good,” stated Wright.
“This yr was nice and I get to put on the [British] stripes subsequent yr which is wonderful however I believe I used to be left wanting a bit extra.”
Wright has established a repute as a strong breakaway racer in Grand Excursions, however that massive stage win has eluded him as of but. He didn’t fret about lacking out, nevertheless, sharing the enjoyment of his teammates Pello Bilbao and Matej Mohorič taking good, emotional wins on the 2023 Tour de France for Bahrain Victorious.
“I’d’ve stated I used to be on the degree to compete for a Grand Tour stage win, however the alternative didn’t current itself with the best way the Tour was raced,” stated Wright. “I wouldn’t say I used to be so gutted on that entrance, there’s extra to come back nonetheless for positive.”
At 24, Wright’s profession continues to be in its infancy, and he’s contracted for a minimum of two extra seasons together with his present workforce. He’s received his eyes on one other crack at De Ronde in 2024 with the prospect of an Olympic look additionally on the radar.
“Flanders is what I’m taking a look at actually going for, then making an attempt to get into doing the Olympic highway race after the Tour,” stated Wright. “Whether or not doing the Tour earlier than is admittedly finest for that, I don’t know, however I’m eager.”
The Brit additionally spoke of the strain he faces as one of many prime riders within the nation, with followers on social media usually dubbing phases – earlier than the racing has received underway – as a ‘Fred Wright breakaway’ day.
“I believe you’ve received to take a look at strain in a optimistic means, because it’s strain for good purpose,” he mirrored.
“Individuals type of like the best way I race and admire me being up there and exhibiting my face in bike races, so one of the simplest ways to spin it’s simply to make use of that strain in a optimistic means.
“Win or lose, I’m nonetheless entertaining so it doesn’t actually matter for the followers… I’d clearly wish to win as many races as doable, that’s my purpose.”
