Gearing up for the Sprint for Success race!
International racing cyclists, Pendle’s own Ian Wilkinson and Paul Oldham, met with Sprint for Success race sponsors Fort Vale this week.
The headline sponsors for the race for up and coming riders invited the elite racers to come and talk to their apprentices ahead of Colne Grand Prix , part of Pendle Cycling Festival, on Wednesday 15 July.
The international engineering company, founded in Nelson in 1967, have a keen interest in cycling and supporting local events.
This race really stands out for Fort Vale who actively look to support the development of young people with their recruitment of apprentices year after year.
Managing Director, Ian Wilson said: “Our passion for cycling runs right through the company from our management team to our young apprentices, some of whom are interested in competitive cycling.
“This is the second year we’ve sponsored the Sprint for Success race and we were keen for our apprentices to get the chance to meet some top riders as we gear up to race night,” he explained.
Apprentice Training Manager, Alan Emerton said: “The young apprentices asked Ian Wilkinson and Paul Oldham about what motivates them, how they train and how they’ve dealt with set-backs including racing accidents.
“They got some great advice from Ian and Paul including the importance of focus, supporting team workers and playing to each other’s strengths.”
“It’s advice they can apply to their engineering apprentices, as well as to cycling,” he said.
The question and answer session ended with a quiz with Shannon Knowles aged 20, a fourth year apprentice with Fort Vale and the only young woman on the shop floor, coming in the top three.
Second year apprentices Declan Farrimond and George Worden, both aged 18, also made the top three and George agreed: “It was a motivating session!”
Ian Wilkinson, leader for Team Raleigh who won the Colne Grand Prix in 2008 will be competing in this year’s Colne Grand Prix.
Ian said: “It’s great that races on Colne Grand Prix night are well supported by local businesses like Fort Vale which have a genuine interest in cycling.”
HR Officer, Lorraine Stansfield said: “Fort Vale is passionate about the development of young people both personally and professionally which is why we were keen to support and sponsor this race again.
"The session with Ian and Paul was really encouraging for the apprentices to relate to where they are currently at and the importance of commitment to their own training and development both inside and outside of work.”
Leader of the Council, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal said: “Colne Grand Prix night on Wednesday 15th July offers a fantastic free opportunity to see three great high speed cycling races in Colne town centre and marks the start of the Pendle Cycling Festival.”
The races on Weds 15th July are:
6.30pm Marsden Building Society Future Stars Race for young regional riders
7.15pm Fort Vale Sprint for Success race for up and coming riders
8.15pm – 9.15pm Welcome Cottages Colne Grand Prix race for elite riders – part of the National Circuit Series
Note to editors
Fort Vale Engineering is the world leader in the precision manufacture of valves and fittings for the transportation of bulk liquids, gas and hazardous cargo in tank containers including off shore tankers, road tanker and for rail industries.
For further information please contact: Sarah Lee, Communications Manager, Chief Executive's Policy Unit, Pendle Council, Town Hall, Market Street, Nelson, BB9 7LG
Tel: 01282 661988