Round and Round We Go

Going through school and dealing with the pressure that it brings is a challenge in any society however, if you have to cope with relentless training on top of that, life gets to be a tad more stressful. Not only do young athletes have to attend school and train at the same time, they also have to try their hardest to establish themselves in a world class sport that is already littered with so many talented individuals.

Attending the UCI Juniors Track World Championships offered a unique insight into the behaviour of the strong, determined young cyclists who are all aiming for success. Despite coming from various different countries from all around the globe, they all have one thing in common; their mind-set. It was very interesting to watch the preparation for the events take place, the dedication and focus was infectious. Every single athlete had their mind on the race ahead, and nothing else.

World Championships are a great place to prove to the rest of the world that you are mature enough to handle moving onto the next level and that is what every single athlete in the arena was aiming to do. The majority of athletes did nothing but train and discuss strategy. If you placed them next to established cyclists you would not have been able to tell the difference as they carry themselves in the exact same way, with the exact same goals on their mind. Of course world championships will always have a somewhat higher appeal to perform to a higher level, but every competition is important, and clocking up impressive times consistently is vital for every aspiring young athlete.

The British team came third in the overall medals table, and all of our medals were won by the female cyclists. With two gold’s coming from Danielle Khan, and one from the female team pursuit we were a well-oiled machine. Also, across the pond Canada only managed to win one medal, a silver for Kinley Gibson another impressive up and coming female cyclist. It is a nice feeling knowing that there are more females ready to come up into the world of professional sport, flying the flag for women everywhere, letting others know that women can be just as impressive as men in the sporting arena. The dedication Kinley and Danielle show is inspiring and important for the world to see, it shows that these are not just children playing at being grown ups, they are serious about their future.

Danielle Khan – Gold medallist in the 500m time trial, Gold medallist in the sprint and silver medallist in the women keirin – didn’t even start her career off as a cyclist. Two years ago she was skating for Great Britain and enjoying cycling as a spectator. However, after only a short period of time with the British cycling team, she looks to be the most impressive up and coming talent. The most impressive thing about Danielle is the fact that even though two gold’s and a silver is an impressive feat at this level, she was not happy. Striving for more, like every athlete is, she would have loved to have won a third gold. She has conquered cycling at this junior level and will move on to the senior level next year which in itself will bring new challenges but there is no doubt in my mind she will be able to cope and even make a name for herself in the senior level of her sport.

An event like the world championships can draw a lot of attention, crowds and a lot of noise. Staying focused in an atmosphere like that can be difficult but for the athletes it is an absolute necessity. Finding their own space is key to keeping the right mentality during the gaps between events.

At the championships it was interesting to observe the differences between the athletes and other people their age. You can draw comparisons to those who dedicate themselves to their studies, it is the same sort of dedication and sacrifice. You can also compare them to peers who are nothing alike, who have no ambition and it highlights how good an example these athletes are for younger generations. It was lovely to see young children showing up to watch the championships, being inspired and encouraged to get on their bikes and exercise. It gives a sense of hope that maybe in the next few generation’s children will not have to be encouraged to exercise at all, it will be just natural. I think one word to describe the championships would be; inspiring.

Not only was it a positive event for the athletes and teams from around the world and even the young people watching, it was a positive event for Glasgow and Scotland as a whole. Maybe now that we are improving our facilities, nurturing our talented young people, we will be able to provide a healthy environment, a positive one that will inspire many more to come. I look forward to the commonwealth games and returning to the velodrome to witness the next level of competition and some home-grown success.

The Sir Chris Hoy velodrome gives a sense of the man himself an all of his success. It is what Glasgow and Scotland needs, a way forward in this sport.

Caitlin Marshall - Hillpark