Academy set to progress after 
cycling success

The academy is coming up to its first birthday after starting late last year with the intention of developing and encouraging competitive cyclists aged between eight and 18.

This summer with the help and support of the British Cycling, the national body of the sport, and its Go Ride initiative, the Kirklees club organised a series of races which were aimed at young, local first-time racer.

They were across a range of different distances and cycling disciplines including a time trial to determine a handicap system. It was followed by eight more individual and team events and cyclists collected points, their best four results determining the final standings. Go Ride provided equipment to stage the races and prizes for the races and a goody bag for each entrant.

The academy’s lead coach Ivan Boyes explained: “The resources supporting the initiative are brilliant.

“We were provided with a kit bag that included banners, race poles, flags, lap boards, stopwatch, race numbers, markers and many other items that all make hosting a youth race series very easy even with limited space.

“Over the course of the series, we have seen a big improvement in the racing skills of all riders, and with 22 riders entering the final event the competition was fierce and it was notable to see how many riders had improved their techniques.”

The club aim to host a series of course simulator races on stationary Wattbikes this winter.