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British Cycling Mountain Bike Team Visit Lee Quarry

Words And Photography By Luke Webber
Posted February 9 2011

Riders from the British Cycling mountain bike team, including Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Liam Killeen paid a special visit to Lee Quarry last Saturday. Treating locals to a guided ride, signed jerseys and caps, Killeen and Olympic Academy riders Dave Fletcher and Kenta Gallagher also met local representatives.

Marking the start of further building works at Lee Quarry in the lead-up to the official opening of the new linking trail between Lee and Cragg Quarries, Lancashire County Council outlined its ongoing commitment to the development of the area as a mountain bike destination.

Following a harsh winter all existing routes will undergo running repairs, while work on a new pump track begins following the success of the original no-pedal fun-fest.

The already extensive development of the site has led to the British Mountain Bike Team training regularly at the Quarry to develop technical skills in the purpose-built areas. Close to the teams Manchester base, Olympic Mountain Bike Coach Phil Dixon describes the Quarry as a great location which mirrors many of the challenges of the latest World Cup Cross Country trails.

Such praise from figures at the top of mountain biking - including Downhill World Champion Steve Peat - has vindicated the decision of Borough and County Councillors, just four years after opening the Adrenaline Gateway.

Keen to continue work on site, Michael Green, Lancashire County Council's Cabinet member for Environment and Planning congratulated everyone who had worked to produce facilities that are the pride of the community, before repeating his commitment to the continued development of the site.

Rossendale Council's Jason Gledhill was also keen to highlight the tourism opportunities the Quarry will offer following further development.

"The presence of the British Cycling Team at Lee Quarry shows that our trails are truly world class and provide a challenge to the best bikers in the country. Week in, week out, riders are flocking to Lee Quarry to enjoy these fantastic trails and spend money in Rossendale as a result."

After enjoying a warm reception, the British Cycling Team continued to give away signed British Cycling kit, before taking to the trails, where everyone got the chance to follow Killeen, Gallagher and Fletcher.

Kenta Gallagher and Dave Fletcher distribute the goods, before local riders figure out the distinctive look of a podium cap.

Commonweath Champion Liam Killeen, centre, is surrounded by fans.

The reason for the crowding; a Killeen-signed hat!

One final photo for the team before hitting the trails...
Locals line up alongside Olympians at the bottom of Lee Quarry.

Killeen is shown the way on the pump track by a local hero.

Riders await another descent following the tough climb to the summit of the Quarry.