"It's about trying to keep your chin up when it's hard" - Jack Rootkin-Gray about first year in WorldTour peloton

Jack Rootkin-Gray is one of the many new faces joining EF Education-EasyPost in what is to be a big transition year for the American WorldTour team. In an extensive interview for Cyclingnews, he speaks about everything, including his 2024 schedule and ambitions.

The 22-year-old already made his big debut at Tour Down Under last week, but what's next up for the young Brit? "I'll have a bit of a quieter February and then do some Classics. Then some other stuff before Nationals because you only get half the year planned. I think that racing the cobbles will be part of my role within the team, to do that calendar of races. I really like those races so that'll be good."

"I've got a pretty tough calendar with a lot of WorldTour races on it. I was asking a lot of questions to the older riders at camp about what it's going to be like. I know it's going to be a big step and I know it's probably going to be really hard, but other than that it's just about trying to keep your chin up when it's hard, keep going and be ready for it."

Finally, Rootkin-Gray spoke about his career goals: "I remember when I was 13 or something writing down that I want to win a Monument, win the World Championships, and win a Grand Tour stage. I think I'd still agree with that now. I'd love any one of them – it'd be an amazing career if I were to win any of them."