Max Cushway: Overcoming Obstacles and First UCI Podium

The name Max Cushway may not resonate with many, but this talented young British cyclist, based in Brittany (France), is someone to watch. After two successful years in the junior ranks with the World Tour development squad AG2R Citroën U19, Max faced challenges adapting to the new elite races across France in the U23 age category. However, he has overcome these obstacles, concluding the 2023 season with an outstanding second-place finish at the UCI race Chrono des Nations.

We caught up with the 19-year-old, based in Vannes, to gain more insight into his first year as an U23 rider and learn about his goals for the 2024 season as he continues to ride for the French amateur DN1 team Morbihan Adris GOA. But first, take a look at his impressive palmarès below.

Palmarès:

“If I hadn’t learnt quickly, it would have been even harder to adapt”

It’s clear that Max is establishing himself as a Rouleur and Time Trialist. “Definitely Rouleur and Time Trialist. I believe I showed some of these skills during the classic style Bretagne races, I rode a lot for the team at Tour de Bretagne and Circuit du Mené. Plus, my last race and TT of the season, Chrono des Nations, where I finished second.”

Naturally, it’s a significant step up for anyone. Max describes one noticeable difference: “There is never time to relax; I had to get used to the speed of the races.” There’s a lot to learn and overcome; it’s hard to find a cyclist who doesn’t admit to constantly trying to improve. “I learned how to be a good teammate and follow the road captain’s directions. I was often bringing bidons and instructions from the team car during races,” he says. “The level of French elite riders is so high, we are very similar to the level of professionals, so my first few months as an u23 were challenging.”

“I didn’t actually have a bike though most of the winter”

Max didn’t have a road bike for the majority of last winter; instead, he relied on a mountain bike and some swimming. This was due to delayed shipping because of Covid-19. When he did receive a temporary bike, he was left to ride one that was too small during his training camp in Calpe. This meant he struggled to reach the form he had targeted during the first few races in February. “Only a few months into the season, I felt like I had the fitness of my junior self,” Max explained.

Despite a promising start with a third-place finish in the team time trial (on a borrowed TT bike) during the fifth stage of Circuit des Plages, things weren’t progressing as Max had hoped. However, a fifth-place finish at the beginning of April during the Tour du Pays de Lesneven boosted his confidence. The result was unexpected as it was a sprint finish, showcasing Max’s great potential in other areas.

“Illness and crashes”

Max was a valuable teammate, often seen working at the front of the peloton during the Tour de Bretagne, a UCI 2.2 race. However, things took a turn on the 6^th stage. As the peloton descended a small country road, riders at the front started to slip on a large patch of dirt. This resulted in a mass pile-up as the riders behind had nowhere to go. Max was caught up in this, however, didn’t suffer any major injuries and was able to continue the race. Crashing is something every rider experiences and it’s the UCIs and organisers responsibility to take care of the riders, Stefan Küng’s TT crash at the European Championships is a bad example of rider care.

To make matters worse, Max contracted a long-term virus in the few days following the race, limiting his racing over the next few months. Although initially viewed as a setback, Max found a silver lining, stating, “the illness helped me peak later in the season; I think I could have continued a few weeks after the Chrono des Nations,” he clarified with a chuckle.

“I still can’t believe it to be honest”

Coming to the end of the season, Max started to get back into the swing of things. After a season of working for his team, the opportunity to ride for himself arose, and Max didn’t hesitate. He secured his first elite win at the Tour de Belle-Ile-en-Mer. “I attacked with just over 50km to go, there was a tail wind which helped me get a good gap on the front group, and Pierre (Max’s teammate) caught me with 35km to go,” he says with a smile. The two riders crossed the line together, arms aloft.

This victory boosted Max’s belief. “The focus now was on the Chrono des Nations; it was essentially my first proper time trial of the season, as I hadn’t had a time trial bike until that point. I can’t thank my parents enough for helping buy an amazing bike. I’ve also had great support from The Rayner Foundation, and as a Junior, I was supported by Pedal Potential.”

Max wasn’t expecting what happened next. Second to leave the starting ramp, he set an incredible time of 33 minutes and 10 seconds over the 27.23km course, averaging 49.26kmph! After nervously waiting in the hot seat, only one man managed to beat him, and the difference was only 17 seconds. “I was hoping for a top 10; I wasn’t worried about beating anyone, just surpassing my previous year’s result in Junior (he finished seventh),” Max explains. “It felt like a weight had been lifted from my chest after a tough season, and I still can’t believe it to be honest. I had worked hard for that result though, spending hours adjusting my position and putting in the miles on the bike.”

“I want to prove to everyone that my result at the Chrono des Nations wasn’t just a fluke”

Looking ahead to 2024, Max already has some aims and objectives. “Of course, Chrono des Nations; I’ll also continue to focus on other time trials as well as some of the Bretagne classics,” Max replied. “Firstly, I need to see how my winter goes, but I feel one step ahead of last year and can’t wait to get racing. I’ve got two training camps, Portugal in December, and Calpe towards the end of January.”

We’re excited to watch Max grow as a cyclist, and if you want to follow him more closely click here during the season to see his results. Also, make sure to follow his Instagram, @MaxCushway.

All photos courtesy of C.A Photographies