King of the Keirin at Manchester this Saturday

Story posted December 4

Event press release

On Saturday 6th December, 60 DHL Sprint School riders aged 12-16 will take part in the finale of the 2008 DHL Sprint School at the Manchester Velodrome. A fantastic day of racing is planned and will include Keirin heats and Team Sprinting. Beijing Olympic Gold medalists Chris Hoy, Jamie Staff, Jason Kenny and Silver medalist Ross Edgar will be there to add a touch of glamour to the event!

The morning will focus on a Keirin racing session joined by Jamie Staff. He’ll be in track centre with the competitors helping them warm up and prepare. After several Keirin focused sessions at the schools this year, the riders are expected to be on top form and will be showing their newly acquired skills.

After lunch it’s Team Sprinting on Watt bikes. Arriving for the afternoon, Ross and Jason will join Jamie to set the time to beat. Chris is also expected to attend to pass on his invaluable advice. With some fantastic prizes on offer, the competition is sure to be fierce but as ever, the emphasis is on having fun! 

Guy Elliott, CEO DHL Northern Europe, said: “I can’t wait to see how all the kids have progressed over the year and I’m delighted Chris, Jamie, Jason and Ross can come along too! To have four Olympic medalists working with our next generation of champions is just incredible!”

The massive success of the first two years of Sprint School has led to an increase in support from DHL and now there will be eight Sprint Schools in 2009. They will be split between Newport and Manchester Velodromes and dates will be announced in the new year.

Keirin racing: 8am – 12pm
Watt bike Team Sprinting: 1pm – 3pm
www.sprintschool.com

DHL Sprint School
The DHL Sprint Schools have taken place six throughout 2008 and will culminate in the DHL Racing Day at the Manchester Velodrome.  The programmes for the schools have been developed with help of Iain Dyer, Head Sprint Coach at the Olympic Development Programme, and will be delivered by British Cycling Talent Team coaches.  The aim of the schools is to provide coaching and competitive opportunities for young riders who are not already on the superbly successful British Cycling Talent Team. 

The schools are open to riders between the ages of 12 and 15 and every Track League in the country has been approached and asked to nominate 2 girls and 2 boys, who they feel would benefit from the sprint schools.

The schools have a sports academy feel, with on track training from as well as off the bike workshops which will include subjects such as nutrition,  bike maintenance and racing etiquette.

About DHL
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