Young cyclists helped to follow their dreams

Wednesday 30 December 2020

Talented young cyclists will be able to go through the gears following the relaunch of the HSBC GVC Academy.

The Guernsey Velo Club will be providing support ranging from training plans, to opportunities for national competition after receiving headline sponsorship support from HSBC Channel Islands and ongoing assistance from Ian Brown's Cycle Shop for the 2020/2021 seasons.

The academy has been formed to support for young cyclists looking to further their careers in the sport, whether at an amateur or professional level, and is open to juniors between the ages of 12 and 17, and academy riders representing Guernsey in Road Racing and Mountain Biking. The academy provides training plans, training rides, winter indoor training sessions and classroom theory sessions so the young cyclists can develop their fitness levels and preparedness for competitive racing. 

The sponsorship will also enable the club to support academy riders in competitions in the UK, France and Jersey when travel restrictions are eased. 

Pictured: The GVC Academy is open to juniors between the ages of 12 and 17, and academy riders representing Guernsey in Road Racing and Mountain Biking.

Head of the academy, Adrian Tourtel, said the club has come up with useful and educational alternatives in the absence of off-island competition.

"Whilst the Covid 19 situation has meant that we have been unable to undertake our off-island racing calendar, the academy riders have been competing in Guernsey throughout the season in both circuit racing and time trials and they will be racing through the winter in Mountain Bike racing," he said.

"the funds received from HSBC have meant the kids are able to have new team kit that reinforces the team ethic, and have enable the club to hire venues for regular circuit racing and this winter we will be able to hire facilities to undertake indoor winter training and classroom sessions."

Looking to the future, GVC President Mark Smith said the funding will allow academy riders to gain valuable racing experience against top quality competition.

"This will be beneficial to the riders ongoing development within the sport, allowing them to compete at both a regional and national level," he said. 

Pictured top: The academy has been formed to support for young cyclists looking to further their careers in the sport (Credit: Nick Despres)