News: DHL Extends Revolution Sponsorship to Develop More Future Stars Talent
The Revolution Series returns for an eighth season on October 23rd and once again it will be giving talented young track riders the opportunity to race in front of a packed crowd in the DHL Future Stars competition.
The competition, in its fourth year of sponsorship by DHL, sees 48 of the UK's best young riders battling it out for the coveted DHL Future Stars jersey; it also gives them the chance to race alongside their heroes in the Revolution team championship.
As well as being able to watch athletes at the top of their game, spectators are given a unique chance to see some of the best up-and-coming UK talent as they aim to follow in the foot steps of their track cycling heroes. Historically, the DHL Future Stars competition has been a great way to spot future national and world champions.
Previous Future Stars winners have included Olympic bronze medallist Steven Burke and Peter Kennaugh, winner in season three and now enjoying a high profile career with Team Sky.
Revolution Technical Director Phil West has been involved with the DHL Future Stars for a number of years and has given his tips for the riders to watch out for at Revolution this year.
"There is a really strong talent pool in the UK at the moment, so there are plenty of exciting prospects amongst the Future Stars," he said. "Lots of these riders did great things at the Youth National Championships this summer so we're going to see some fantastic competition at Revolution."
Jon Dibben of Southampton is West's first tip for the top: "Jon claimed three gold medals at the Youth National Championships in August and this year broke the national youth record for the pursuit so I think he will be very confident of improving his 11th place finish in last year's DHL Future Stars competition."
In the sprint events, James Berryman is another rider to watch. James was another multiple winner at the Youth National Championships, taking gold medals in the both the U16 sprint and 500m time trial, and will be hoping to carry over his strong form into Revolution.
In the girl's competition, reigning DHL Future Stars champion Emily Kay will be eager to hold on to her title. An endurance specialist, she too has shown some fantastic form this season, taking national titles in the scratch and pursuit events.
West predicts fierce competition from Amy Roberts, who denied Emily a third gold in the Youth National Championships by taking victory in the Points Race.
"Emily Kay is the defending champion but she will face a tough challenge from Amy Roberts as well as Lucy Garner who is another talented rider with a clutch of national titles to her name."
It is talent like this that makes the competition such an exciting investment for DHL who have extended their sponsorship of the Future Stars to a fourth year.
The Series starts on Saturday 23rd October at the National Cycling Centre. Tickets are now on general release for the four events and are available to purchase from www.cyclingrevolution.com or by calling 0843 208 1840.
