Young Newham cyclists show off their biking skills in competition

Kat Hopps

Published: 3:19 PM November 16, 2017

Updated: 10:13 AM October 13, 2020

Children from New City Primary School were among the youngsters to get on their bikes. Picture: Lee Valley Regional Park Authority - Credit: Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

Potential cycling stars of the future have been spotted on their bikes outside the iconic Olympic venue Lee Valley VeloPark.

Year Five and Six pupils from Gallions Primary School on the start line. Picture: Lee Valley Regional Park Authority - Credit: Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

More than 100 pupils aged between nine and 11 competed in an inter-school cycling competition, run in partnership with British Cycling, as part of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Schools Festival programme.

Riders from Gallions Primary School in Beckton were declared the winners in an overall time trial across a half mile stretch of traffic-free road.

Year Five and Six Newham pupils from Curwen Primary School and New City Primary School - both based in Plaistow - also took part.

All the participants came from youth development programme, Go Ride, which teaches youngsters key bike handling skills.

Curwen Primary School cyclists ride past the Lee Valley VeloPark. Picture: Lee Valley Regional Park Authority - Credit: Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

Russell Hampton, Go Ride coach at British Cycling, said: “Racing in competitions like this provides the perfect opportunity for young riders to put newly-developed skills to the test and also helps them to prepare for the higher tiers of competition.”