A Shropshire cycling team has announced the addition of a new Chirk-based sponsor.

The Rhino Velo Race Team will see Unvented Components Europe, a Chirk based heating and plumbing spare parts supply business join existing anchor sponsors Shrewsbury-based estate agents Cooper Green Pooks and chartered insurance brokers Beaumont Lawrence.

Unvented Components Europe is owned by Bryan Davies, himself a keen cyclist who has recently discovered the competitive side of the sport.

His company specialises in supplying spare parts for heating and plumbing systems with a particular expertise in unvented hot water cylinder systems.

Mr Davies said he wanted to sponsor the team because, having familiarised himself with the local cycling scene over the last couple of years, he is impressed with how they operate.

He said: “The riders all seem to enjoy what they are doing and really take races on from the front.

“They have achieved success over a wide range of disciplines and their riders are consistently some of the strongest in the local area; I wanted to be a part of that success and to help them further develop young riders like Ollie Hayward, Kirk Vickers and new signing Tomos Owens.

“I am also hoping to encourage more of the team at Unvented Components Europe to get on their bikes and get fit too.”

As part of an exciting 2019, the team will also change its name to Holohan Coaching Race Team.

Chris Pook and Ben Lawrence will continue to run the team and Liam Holohan will focus more on the coaching side than actually competing himself.

Mr Pook, of Cooper Green Pooks, said it was a great opportunity for Holohan Coaching Race Team to be supported by such an established local company.

He said: “When Bryan Davies got in touch, we instantly felt on the same page and his sponsorship helps us to do more for the younger riders.

“We are really happy to be in partnership with them for the 2019 season.”

Mr Lawrence, of Beaumont Lawrence, said he has high hopes for Holohan Coaching Race Team for 2019.

He added: “We have an exciting programme shaping up, which will hopefully include tackling a UK based UCI race, a stage race in Ireland, a possible return to the Vuelta Majorca and also numerous regional and national UK races. We will definitely be a team to watch in 2019.

"We now have to grit our teeth and spend the winter training so we are in top form ready to start again in March.”