THE Cotswold Cycles race team look set for an exciting 2016 having signed two local, national-level riders.

The team based at independent bicycle retailer, Cotswold Cycles, of Moreton-in-Marsh, was only launched this year and have now added both Mark Chamberlain and Ben Stockdale to the squad.

Chamberlain, from Moreton-in-Marsh, is both National Masters marathon mountain bike champion and National Masters cross country mountain bike champion, while Stow-on-the-Wold's Stockdale is the current Southern road race champion.

Cotswold Cycles RT, in keeping with their ethos of supporting local riders of all ages and racing ability, are also happy to welcome the formidable female triathlete, Emma Bexson on to the team.

Emma won an age-group silver medal at the European Championships in 2011 less than a year after breaking her back in a cycling accident.

She is in hospital at the moment recovering from surgery to remove the metalwork from her back.

Emma will be trying her hand at road races this season alongside her triathlon schedule. Although all the team's riders will be road racing throughout the season, some will also be taking part in criterium, mountain bike and cyclocross races locally and nationally.

The team’s chances this season have been given a boost by engineers' cutting tool specialist, WNT UK, who have committed their support as a primary sponsor.

Managing director Tony Pennington said: "We are delighted to be a primary sponsor of Cotswold Cycles RT. The dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship required to be successful in the world of competitive cycling tie in with our own company values very well and we wish the team great success in 2016. ”

The Moreton-based team are also sponsored by Cotswold Cycles, bicycle manufacturer Trek and clothing and accessories brand Bontrager.