Anna Shackley (SD Worx), a year after competing in the Tokyo Olympics road race and becoming Britain's under-23 time trial champion, described her first season as a professional as "surreal" but full of good experiences.

"It was crazy, everything was surreal," he said. It was crazy, everything was surreal, because the year before I hadn't raced at all."

Despite being one of the youngest riders not only on the team, but in the entire peloton, Shackley sees joining a prolific team like SD Worx at age 19 as a learning opportunity rather than a difficult move.

"I love being a young rider," she said. 'Especially being in my first year, it was okay to make a few mistakes. Plus, I get to learn from a lot of girls, which is nice."

"The jump from junior to elite was very intense, but I think you learn fast. I wouldn't want to go to any other team."

Shackley was the only compatriot of SD Walkes and Lizzie Deignan to compete in the Olympic road race this season, primarily in a support role for her teammates.

"I wanted to learn as much as I could and help out as much as I could while doing my part on the team. I love that role. There's no pressure, but it doesn't change the joy I get when my teammates win."

"I've been playing on the road for a couple of years now, and I'm really looking forward to it.

Although he has been primarily in a support role this season, Shackley said the team encourages its young riders to race on their own if they can.

"This year I was mainly racing with Niamh [Fisher Black], and Danny [Stam, sport director] always said that if we break, if we get a chance, we race for it. He's always telling us that we have a chance to race for ourselves." They are very conscious that if they don't try, they have already failed. So they're very good in that sense.

Shackley is happy to have the support of his team, but is realistic about the pressures that come with leadership on a team like SD Worx.

"I'd love a chance to compete for a championship," she said. But I don't want to be put in that position unless I'm sure I can deliver. I don't want to sacrifice my own race for me and not be able to fulfill my role. Having an excellent teammate behind you puts a lot of pressure on you."

Heading into his second season with the team, Shackley already has several races in his sights, hoping to return to the Spanish race block in May and hoping for a call-up to the Giro Donne as he continues to grow.