BASILDON professional cyclist Russell Hampton is relishing the prospect of being the underdog when he takes on the might of the UK’s biggest domestic teams all by himself next season, writes Ryan Goad.

Hampton, who has been with Team Raleigh for the past two seasons, will ride solo next year after sealing an innovative deal with bike shop Athlonsport.

The Chelmsford shop will be the main sponsor of the 25-year-old but individuals and businesses can also help Hampton thanks to a fund-raising website called Crowdfunder.

The team are trying to find £20,000 to help cover the cost of the season. To help them do this people can pledge money and, in return, get anything from a discount at Athlonsport to company logos featuring on Hampton’s team kit.

“It’s a totally different thing and has never been done before in cycling,” said Hampton. “It’s been done in football and other sports before but not cycling and it’s very exciting.”

Hampton, who is a former wearer of the King of the Mountains jersey at the Tour of Britain, is hoping the move re-ignites his career.

He experienced a tough year on the bike over the past 12 months, due to what he describes as “in-house politics” at Raleigh, which almost saw him quit the sport.