The wraps have been taken off a brand new cycling team, showcasing the next generation of potential British Olympic stars.
Velocity WD-40 Junior and Youth Cycling team was officially launched at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester last Saturday (Dec 1st) ahead of the second event in the popular Revolution Series.
Two-time Olympic Gold medalist and five time world champion, Ed Clancy MBE, attended the launch and spent time talking to the young riders.
The formation of the team, which features some of the top teenage talent from the north west of England and the north Midlands, is another significant boost for British cycling after the famous Tour De France victory of Bradley Wiggins and a golden success streak at London 2012.
The team includes 2012 national under-14 Omnium champion Matt Walls from Oldham and Lymm’s (Cheshire) Matt Gibson, a member of the Team GB Olympic Development Programme.
Based at the Manchester Velodrome, Velocity WD-40 will be run with a professional ethos and aims to take the youngsters aged from 14 to 18 from the youth ranks right through to professional status.
“It’s a very exciting time for the Velocity WD-40 cycling team to be launching,” said Andrew Thomas, team manager.
“The team is packed with talent and everyone is ready to put in the hard work required to get the results we all want from events right across the UK and Europe.
“Sponsorship of the team has been vital and it’s fantastic to have WD-40 as our main sponsor along with USN, Pro-Lite, Global Bike, Pedal Precision, Return on Digital, Bio Racer, Star Balm and pOcpac.
“We’ve also nominated a charity for 2013, CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), and hope to increase awareness of this worthwhile cause together with raising money during the season.”
Ed commented: “It’s fantastic to see youngsters dedicating their time to cycling as it will undoubtedly help provide the country with the next generation of Olympic and world championship riders.
“Having started riding from an early age I’d encourage all youngsters to take part in cycling as it not only keeps you fit, but could lead to a career in the sport.
“I’ll be keeping an eye on the progress of the Velocity WD-40 team and hope to see more of them in the coming years.”
The team is made up of four junior and four youth riders, all of whom will be spending most weekends in 2013 racing at events across the UK, while training on roads around North West England in the week.
Brand manager for WD-40 Multi-Use Product, Amy Long, said that they were delighted to be supporting potential cycling stars of the future.
“These are hugely exciting times for cycling in the UK and it’s fantastic for WD-40 to be involved with a team packed with talented young riders with bright futures,” she said.
“The sport is thriving and the Velocity WD-40 team members are perfect ambassadors for the brand, as they use the product to help maintain their bikes.”