Coaching course for young cyclists

TWO local cyclists have been chosen to receive specialised coaching in the New Year.

Jess Anderson and Josh Penrice are among 130 budding Olympians, Paralympians and World Cup hopefuls in eight sports on their way to a four-day National Talent Orientation Camp at Loughborough University on January 6.

It blends cross-sport training sessions and competition, with motivational workshops delivered by past and present Olympic and Paralympic champions.

The up-and-coming athletes will also learn from a variety of scenarios that occur in the life of an elite sports man or woman, such as how to work with the media.

Josh (15) is a pupil at Saddleworth School, while Jess (14) attends Mossley Hollins High.

The eight sports involved in the camp are: canoeing (slalom and sprint), cycling (track and BMX), hockey, netball, rowing, rugby union (men and women), sailing and wheelchair basketball. It is funded by the Gifted and Talented arm of the Government’s PE and Sport Strategy for Young People.