Sport England’s £32m Cycling Boost
Posted Monday 17th December 2013 –
Sport England has revealed its biggest ever investment in cycling to secure a lasting sporting legacy for every level of the sport. Building on the inspirational success of British cyclists at the Olympics and Paralympics, the £32 million four-year investment includes £6.4 million to help talented young cyclists become the best they can be and £7 million to improve cycling facilities.
Sport England’s Director of Sport, Phil Smith said: “British Cycling has already got hundreds of thousands of people back on their bikes and we’re backing their vision to inspire even more people to ride their bikes more often over the coming four years. We will also continue to invest heavily in the sport’s excellent work with talented young riders that has helped to produce champions such as Laura Trott and Jason Kenny in recent years.
“We also welcome British Cycling’s commitment to work with other cycling organisations and local authorities.”
The £7 million to improve cycling facilities will be targeted at traffic-free cycling centres helping more people to enjoy the sport in the safest possible environments.
More than 3,000 gifted young riders will benefit from the £6.4 million talent investment, with the very best of them hoping to vie for Olympic and Paralympic glory in years to come.
At the heart of cycling’s legacy strategy are plans to help more people get involved in the sport, whether that’s mountain biking, trying track cycling or keeping fit out on the roads.
Sport England’s funding will support the expansion of more formal led rides and informal rides as well as the development of a wider range of cycling events where people can compete at the right level and in a safe environment.
Go-Ride will continue to engage young people in cycling by providing opportunities to improve their skills, compete and receive coaching across the range of cycling disciplines throughout England.