Matthew gets the nod

TEAM Sky riders, Alex Dowsett (left) and Peter Kennaugh, flank Matthew Walls, who has joined the Velocity 3-In-One CNP side.

Cycling: OLDHAM cyclist Matthew Walls has been earmarked as a potential Olympic star in the making after joining a team made up of the cream of youth talent.

Commonwealth Games silver medallist and Team Sky rider Alex Dowsett joined team-mate Peter Kennaugh at the launch of the Velocity 3-In-One CNP side, of which Matthew is now a member.

Based at Manchester Velodrome, it comprises of the UK’s top cyclists aged 14 to 15 years, from the North-West and Midlands.

Manager Andrew Thomas’s aim is to take the team from youth ranks to professional status.

He said: “These young athletes will learn about the necessary skills as individuals, including nutrition, training, bike maintenance and personal organisation along with the skills and tactics of cycle racing as a team.

“We believe these are life skills as well as those applicable to their sport.

“The continued support of our sponsors is essential in the development of the riders as individuals and as part of the team.”

Dowsett is also enthusiastic about the project.

He said: “It is vital to provide future medal winners the platform to reach the successful levels cycling currently enjoys in this country.

“To do this we need support and investment from sponsors in order to develop British talent to produce future Olympian medal winning cyclists. The Velocity 3-In-One CNP sponsorships will help these young talented riders.

“They will receive the focus, equipment and training required to keep the UK at the top of world cycling.”