Published: 11 February 2013
Press Release: Glasgow Cycle Team
Have you or your club got an article to share? Email jennifer.pearson@scottishcycling.org.uk
Glasgow Cycle Team will take to the road and track in 2013 as a development team for aspiring Junior and Under 23 riders.
The aim of the team is to provide stable and sustainable opportunities for young, talented Scottish athletes primarily, but not exclusively, based in Glasgow, to compete at an appropriate level of competition.
The primary focus of the team will be on the development of the riders who have reached the upper age limit of British Cycling’s Youth A category (Under 16) and up to and including those eligible to compete at the International Cycle Union’s (UCI) Under 23 category. The targets for GCT over the next 3 to 5 years is to have a team capable of competing and winning medals in Local, National and International one day and multi day stage races.
The Team will be managed and coached by former Scottish International cyclists Neil Macleod and David Whitehall where the focus will be on structured training methods and rider support to ensure the best possible environment for success. Both Neil and David are Level 2 accredited BC Coaches for both road and track.
Neil currently works as a Physiotherapist in private practice but has extensive experience in high-level sport having worked for Celtic FC, and with riders from professional cycling teams Endura Racing, Sigma Sport and Ibis Racing. Neil has also had experience in race team management with the Scottish National Cycling Teams on the road and the track.
In his competitive days Neil represented Scotland in the Northern Ireland Milk Race and Nissan Classic Tour of Ireland and won Scottish Championship medals in cyclocross, team time trial, hill climbing and road racing.
Most recently Neil has been coaching Glasgow Riderz Go Ride team and the WoSCA youth racing team.
“I have always thought there was a step missing in the development pathway for young racing cyclists.” said Neil. “This Team’s focus is on rider development and offers young riders a fantastic opportunity to progress within the sport in general but especially in racing. Having a structured programme and coaching support will help them maximise their full potential as riders.”
David is a former Scottish international rider who has represented Scotland in road and track at two Commonwealth Games. He is a former British record holder at 4km, a 7 times Scottish pursuit champion and has a number of international road wins to his credit including stage wins in the Ras Talteann and Scottish Health race. He also won a British 100km TTT silver medal as part of the Scottish team.
Known as a versatile all rounder David also won a large number of domestic road and time trial events and was the first rider in Scotland to achieve a 20 minute 10 mile TT (some 30 years ago!). He has been coaching with the Glasgow Riderz since January 2012 and is keen to pass on his knowledge and experience to up and coming riders up to and beyond 16 years of age to international level and hopefully on to professional careers.
“I am looking forward to developing up and coming young riders.” said David. “I’m sure there are potential Olympic road and track and Tour de France riders out there that will flourish with the knowledge, skills and experience that GCT has to offer’.
The team is currently being supported by Neil’s business, EK Physio, along with local photography company GeeBee Images. Sponsorship is also in place from Clyde Gateway, the Urban Redevelopment Company working in the East End of Glasgow, Glasgow bike shop, Billy Bilsland Cycles and UK wide insurance company LV. This support and sponsorship will assist with the supply of equipment and facilitate organized training opportunities and in the future racing throughout the UK and Internationally.
A small number of places are still available on the Team for riders and any enquiries should be made to Neil through the email address below.
For further press or sponsorship enquiries please contact Graeme Brown – graeme@geebeeimages.com
Cycling team queries: neilphysio@gmail.com
Have you or your club got an article to share?
Email jennifer.pearson@scottishcycling.org.uk
