Sam got away in the nick of time

The 20-year-old Sarnian is clocking up big rides sometimes pushing the six-hour mark, which of course would not have been possible in Guernsey.

It so happens that Culverwell’s timing was impeccable. By pure coincidence, he landed in the UK the day before his home island entered lockdown 2.0.

‘I had it booked and I got to the UK, and the next day it was announced there was a load of cases and we were going into full lockdown,’ he said.

‘We have that two-hour limitation in Guernsey and I got out at the right moment – that was quite lucky really.

‘I am glad to have got away and gone to the UK, to be riding different roads and riding those big hours.’

Training, and lots of it, remains the focus, for the path ahead remains unclear as far as racing is concerned.

His team, Trinity Racing, have applied for elite athlete dispensation and so in all likelihood Culverwell and Co. will be able to hop between the UK and mainland Europe without restriction.

Culverwell is eyeing up a training camp near Devon and could potentially race in Belgium within the next few months, but the youngster’s attitude is very much to ‘wait and see’.

Meanwhile, Trinity Racing have gathered vital momentum with the appointment of former Team Sky and Ineos professional Ian Stannard as directeur sportif – a major boon, particularly once racing finally resumes.

‘It’s a massive benefit and it’s really exciting,’ Culverwell said regarding the man whose 12-year pro career saw him win the British road title in 2012 and play domestique for Chris Froome’s maiden Tour de France victory the next summer.

‘I’ve had a couple of conversations with him and he’s a really nice guy who purely wants to help you. He has got so much experience and knowledge about riding at World Tour level – his knowledge is invaluable.

‘I am sure he will be a great benefit to the team and in terms of going in the team car and helping us in race situations.’