Clash Racing x HCC | HCC Journal 14

Welcome to the 14th edition of the HCC Journal!

The HCC family is growing significantly as we've begun a brilliant partnership with the formidable Clash Racing. Read on to find out who they are and why they're a two-wheeled force to be reckoned with.

At Hill Country Collective, we love being outdoors, emersed in nature, discovering pockets of adventure and pushing out of our comfort zones. Whether those outdoor pursuits take the form of trail running, rock climbing, hiking, cycling, and everything in between, we're here to support your recovery so you can get back outdoors, doing what you love most.

But it's not just about physical pursuits; it's also about the connections and bonds we make along the way. The HCC community is a rapidly growing network of athletes, ambassadors, hobbyists and like-minded folk who love being outdoors, and now that community has gotten a whole lot bigger. We're incredibly excited to forge a partnership with the Bristol-based team, Clash Racing.

Formed in 2017 by Sam William Andrews, Clash Racing provides athletes with a platform to develop skills while exploring the boundaries of cycling all over the world. We caught up with Sam to find out more about the team, its goals and the new partnership with HCC.

- Can you tell us a little about the team and the type of cycling you all do?

Going into 2022, Clash Racing is made up of seven men and four women who race just about every discipline in cycling; road, ultra-endurance, bike-packing, track, hill climbing, fixed-gear, cyclocross, gravel, and mountain bike.

- When you founded Clash Racing, what were your intentions?

I wanted to create something different, something that takes influence from music, art, and design. I wanted the team to be free of restrictions, without rules, and to explore the limits. Sport, in particular road cycling, tells us so much you shouldn't do. I wanted to break down all traditional barriers and create something fresh and exciting.

- How would you like to see the team develop?

This year we have our biggest squad yet of 11 athletes, including some young, fresh talent. In a way, it's always been my goal to support riders who want something different from racing and younger riders who might be looking for a career in cycling. It's important for me to provide them with tools to develop their personal brand and make sure they are comfortable without applying unnecessary pressure, as you would find in most traditional setups.

- What events does the team have lined up for 2022?

This year, our calendar includes some of the biggest fixed-gear criteriums globally, a 360k gravel race in Spain, all of the British gravel races, self-supported racing in Wales, national CX and XC series and more.

- Which of those events will be the most challenging, and which are you most excited about?

The 360k gravel race in Spain will be pretty challenging as no amount of training can prepare you completely. The self-supported race in Wales will be equally as brutal, covering a crazy distance over several days. However, we always enjoy racing fixed-criterium events as there's truly no other race like it. It's the buzz of railing around corners at 40mph with no brakes or gears, and the community that makes it so special.

- How important is the recovery process for Clash Racing?

The support of HCC this year is mega! We have some really tough races lined up, which means even tougher training. Putting stress on our bodies day in and day out takes its toll, and recovery is always a challenge. However, CBD gives us huge relief from pre-race jitters and post-race muscle pain.

With some big races lined up for the year, the Clash Racing is certainly one to watch, so don't forget to give them a follow on Instagram. If you want to see where they're racing this year, head over to the Clash Racing website.