Mallory Park - British Cycling Talent Road Training Day

"Welsh Cycling groups from across the nation descended on Mallory Park, Leicestershire, for a British Cycling Talent Road Training Day recently, a first follow-on of three this summer and autumn at the motor racing facility.

Some 200 youngsters were present to benefit from the experience of British Cycling Talent coaches and other key personnel who are the backbone to Britain’s success at the Beijing Olympics currently. 30 of these were from Wales, and all benefitted from learning and mixing and riding with large numbers of other young prospects.

World champion track rider and Olympian Rob Hayles was present among a group of highly experienced and successful current riders, and you could see the knowledge of these professionals made a good impression on our youngsters. Cornering in a competitive situation was just one of the many exercises that the groups found informative, also climbing, descending and sprinting were examined in detail.

U12 rider Lottie Cooper (Rhyl CC and Flint High School CC), who was using a Welsh Cycling road bike on loan, found the experience fascinating as she continues to develop her general biking experience. "I started mountain biking at Flint High School Go-Ride sessions, then Llandegla on Saturday mornings with the North Wales MBA club and Rhyl CC. Riding the road at Mallory Park was a different experience, and my mum and dad came down to watch."

The next Mallory Park session for UK youngsters is on 28th August, with another in October. Contact Welsh Cycling for more details."