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Olympics inspire future cyclists
05 Sep 2016
by Rhea Alton

A new cycling racing team set up in Shropshire is looking forward to welcoming future generations of racers following the huge success of Britain’s cyclists in Rio.
Rhino Velo Racing, a team mentored by well-known Shrewsbury cyclist Mike Jones, has had great success of its own this summer and managers Ben Lawrence and Chris Pook said the success of British cyclists in the last few Olympics has given a great boost to the sport.
Mr Lawrence, managing director of Shropshire insurance broker Beaumont Lawrence, and Mr Pook, of Shrewsbury-based estate agents Cooper Green Pooks, are managing and sponsoring Rhino Velo Racing.
Mr Lawrence said Rhino Velo was established to create a team that could mentor young, talented road racers and use it as stepping stone to future cycling careers.
“It was an amazing two weeks for Team GB cyclists in Rio and with six gold medals there is no doubt as to the calibre of top level British cyclists,” he said.
“It was fantastic to see the GB cyclists topping the medal table and with Chris Froome taking a bronze in the Road Time Trial it really does give an extra boost to cyclists in amateur teams like Rhino Velo to believe in themselves and go for it.”

Members of the Rhino Velo Racing team have been tasting success themselves recently, with Minsterley-based farmer Matthew Davies continuing his excellent form by finishing 16th overall in the National 10 Mile Time Trial Championship whilst battling a sickness bug.

Meanwhile, Telford-based Matthew Garthwaite scored two placings in Elite Kermesses during a recent trip to Belgium.

He, along with teammate Kirk Vickers, a trainee plumber from near Ellesmere, have had superb road racing seasons both gaining their 1st Category licences in the process and each earning multiple wins.

Vickers, Davies and Garthwaite also teamed up with fellow Rhino Velo rider Stuart Glover to storm to victory in the Shropshire 4-up Time Trial Championship setting a new course record in the process.

Other riders to achieve success included Chris Pook, David Scott and Stuart Glover who all gained their 2nd Category licence this year.

Rhino Velo is set to be a platform for talented amateur racers who take their cycling seriously yet hold down full time jobs and a family life but still manage to race at a good amateur level.
Mr Lawrence added: “We are keen to promote cycle racing and support future generations of racers.

“With the Olympic success high in everyone’s minds we are looking forward to welcoming more talented amateur riders in the Shropshire area.”

Photo by David Perry

Photo by David Perry