A NEW elite women's cycling team has been unveiled.

The North-East based Boompods EDCO Velo8 cycling team will ride as a 12-woman and four junior rider team and will make its official debut at the prestigious Revolution track race series at the Olympic Park later this month.

New lead sponsors Boompods and Velo8 will join forces with Swiss wheel maker, EDCO and worldwide tyre brand Continental to create a team that will target the Women’s National Road Series and Tour Series in 2018 as well as other flagship races at home and overseas.

The team made its debut in 2017, racing as the EDCO Continental team and registered some outstanding results on the road, track and cyclo cross.

"Featuring seven talented senior riders and four outstanding juniors, the team created a great first impression in their iconic kit. For 2018 the team has refreshed its line up to feature a mix rider strengths in order to remain competitive throughout the season," said a spokesman.

"Retained riders include the team’s top point scorer Ellen McDermott, who once again lines up alongside Hannah Farran, Jenn Batey, Laurie Pestana and Sarah Walker.

"Joining the team from Sunsport Velo are Liz Burrows, Hannah Larbalestier and Rosie Walsh. Crit specialist Lauren Humphreys adds her experience to the team, while Jane Hellewell moves from NCC Group-Kuota-Torelli to join fellow 18-year-olds Miriam Jessett and Rachel Jary in the new look team."

The junior team sees a new mix for 2018, with North-East riders Anna Armstong, Marie Lynn and Olivia Fawcett joined by talented Welsh junior Cadi Jones.

Boompods is an up-and-coming award-winning British designer of outdoor portable speakers, headphones and tech accessories.

David Tansley, co-founder of Boompods says: “We’re extremely delighted to be involved in the Boompods EDCO Velo8 Women’s Cycling Team.

"With our passion for cycle sport and music it’s a truly awesome partnership and we look forward to supporting the team during 2018 season ahead.”

Kit support is provided by Velotec.

New sponsorship for the 2018 season is supplied by Velo 8, the cycle team brand of Stockton Cycling, based in Ingleby Barwick.

The store’s coffeeshop is the team’s regular meeting point and support is supplied in the shape of Merida Reacto 5000 road bikes.

Team eyewear is supplied by Power Race and pre ride gels and oils supplied by QM Sportscare. Nutrition support is supplied by Torq. Further support is provided by Le Chateau d’Oz, Pegatin and Manilla PR.