Cycling starlet to get national recognition

10:29am Thursday 24th July 2008

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BOROUGH teenage cycling star Matt Bailey’s impressive form has not gone un-noticed after he was selected to represent Great Britain.

The 15-year-old Halesowen Athletics and Cycling Club road team member will be part of a youth team which will participate in the six day Youth Tour of Assen, Holland, starting on July 28.

The event is ranked as the toughest competition in Europe for this age group and it will feature more than 150 cycling starlets Bailey is the 2008 West Midlands Youth Circuit Champion and currently lies in second in the National Circuit Series.

The youngster thanked team sponsor Mike Di-Vito.

He said: “The creation of the Halesowen Racing Team has been really good for the club and has given a focus for all of the younger riders, who can now see the senior riders being successful as well.”

Senior members of the team, Rob Guest, Bob Darby were joined by junior rider, Jacob Tipper from Kingswinford and new club member, Alister Clay from Dudley, for the 110km Andy Poole Memorial Road Race, held near Bridgnorth on Sunday.

Although the team were denied a win on the day, they all rode strongly, finishing in the main group and were very pleased with the performances of both newcomers.