Erin Boothman, 17, shines with seven victories at the Interland ‘Next Generation’ junior meet in Apeldoorn.
Great Britain’s rising star, Erin Boothman, marked an exceptional season opener, sweeping all seven events at the Interland ‘Next Generation’ junior track competition held in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. The 17-year-old’s dominance across both individual and team events has left her “over the moon” with excitement, setting the tone for a promising year ahead.
Boothman, a double world champion, secured wins in all the bunch events, including the Madison, which she claimed alongside teammate Abi Miller. She also triumphed in the tempo, elimination, points, and scratch races. In the timed events, Boothman continued her stellar form, winning the four-lap kilometre time trial and, in a collaborative effort, the team pursuit alongside Miller, Evie Smith, and Millie Salmon.
Speaking to Cycling Weekly, Boothman expressed her joy: “I’m over the moon with my performance at Apeldoorn this weekend. Achieving a clean sweep was an amazing feeling, and I’m particularly proud to win the team pursuit with the girls and do the rainbow stripes proud.”
One of the standout moments of the competition was Boothman’s victory in the newly introduced junior women’s kilo event. She noted that it was an opportunity to embrace a new challenge and deliver a ride she could be proud of: “The kilo was a new event for the junior women’s category, so I wanted to embrace it and execute a ride I was really happy with, which I did, and coming away with the victory was a bonus.”
Currently in her second and final year as a junior on British Cycling’s academy, Boothman has already made a significant mark in the world of track cycling. Last August, she was part of the British team pursuit quartet that not only won gold but also set a new world record at the UCI Junior Track World Championships in China. Her teammates from that event, Cat Ferguson, Carys Lloyd, and Imogen Wolff, have since signed contracts with WorldTour teams for the 2025 season. Boothman also claimed a Madison gold with Lloyd at the same competition.
Reflecting on her latest triumphs, Boothman described her results as a “great start to the year” and a major “confidence boost.” She added, “I’m excited for what’s to come.”
The Interland ‘Next Generation’ event, a key fixture on the junior cycling calendar, also saw British success in other disciplines. Henry Hobbs and the men’s sprint squad—comprising Archie Gill, Kristian Larigo, Ioan Hepburn, and Charlie Holt—also took top honors. This year’s competition was the first to feature British riders in their new national squad kit, supplied by Italian brand Alé.
Looking ahead, British Cycling announced its talent scouting initiative on Monday, aimed at identifying the next generation of track cycling stars. The program is targeting potential athletes born in 2010, 2011, or 2012, with a sign-up deadline set for March 30. Testing will take place in April, marking the start of the search for future champions.
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