Following their success at the 2016 School Games, Wales Youth Team demonstrated their potential with a hard fought win at the Inter Regional Track Championships in Newport.
Oscar Mingay, Zach Bridges (Cardiff JIF), Josh Price (Ride 24/7), Matthew Burke, Ella Barnwell, Elynor Backstedt (Backstedt Academy), Amy Cole and Emma Finucane (Towy Riders) were selected to represent Wales. Athletes competed across a range of team and individual events including Madison, Points, Sprint, Team Pursuit and Team Sprint. The event culminated with a brutal round of Elimination events after a hard weekends racing.
The team’s energy levels were stretched throughout the event, with our team coaches ensuring the youths paid attention to all the addiitonal needs of a young athlete. These included the athletes ability to organise themselves independently, warm-up correctly, keep hydrated, eat appropriately and maintain a focus on their competition despite the many event distractions.
There were individual performances that stood out, including a win for Oscar Mingay in the Points race, Ella Barnwell and Emma Finucane working together to lead home the Team Sprint, Ella again supporting Elynor Backstedt to success in the Madison and a National Record set in the girls Team Pursuit with 3:40.207. The boys team faced their rivals Yorkshire in the Team Pursuit final with their silver medal keeping the team in contention for the overall win.
Volunteer Team Manager Jodie Lloyd noted the young athlete’s professional approach to the competition:
"It is fascinating to see how the riders perform in such a pressured environment when left to organise themselves. Parents are not allowed access during the event to encourage self-sufficiency, with the Wales team demonstrating their maturity despite some not having been in this environment before."
Volunteer Team Coach Matt Cross observed the overall high performances of the team:
"The team’s performance was difficult to predict given the relatively young age of athletes selected and strength of competition. All riders performed exceptionally, with everyone’s results contributing to the overall win."
Combined with the Inter Regional Mountain Bike Championships, 2016 School Games and other youth competitions supported by Wales Youth Programme this event has provided a fantastic opportunity for young riders to learn as they develop towards life as a professional athlete.
To apply to be part of the Wales Youth Programme in 2016/2017, submit your application by 9.00pm Sunday 2 October 2016.
