Pupils swap pens and pads for pedal power

Pupils from Teignbridge schools have been keeping fit and swapping desks for bikes as part of a programme of activities geared up for the Tour of Britain’s visit to the district.

Funded by Teignbridge District Council, independent cycle trainer Martin Burrows visited youngsters from Teign School and Coombeshead Academy in the lead up to the Devon stage of the Tour. Using static bikes, pupils were given the opportunity to challenge themselves, and each other, over a 1km hill climb that emulated the dramatic hill climb finish at Haytor.

A lucky few were also selected by their schools for their own race, professionally organised by Dartmoor School Sports Partnership, using the final 1km, commentator and podium at Haytor in the hours before the Tour finished there. On the day it was Ilsington Primary School and South Dartmoor Community College who stepped onto the top step of the podium for the team awards while many youngsters were also rewarded with prizes.

This is part of a wider network of support including schools and clubs that encourages young riders to get the skills and experiences to succeed on two wheels.

Teignbridge youngster and former Teignbridge Sports Personality of the Year Overall Winner, Harry Birchill has already made headlines in the cycling world.

Having been schooled at Ilsington Primary and now at South Dartmoor Community College, the local rider competes across the country and abroad, and has been tipped for big things following National Championship titles in 2014. He is now part of the GB Olympic apprenticeship training programme and younger brother Freddie is following closely in his brothers footsteps with a recent National Championship title of his own.

As well as local school children, inspiring community groups were also cheered on their way to the Haytor summit. Despite facing the added challenge of wet and windy conditions on the day, there were plenty of smiles from the Active Mums and Cyclists Fighting Cancer groups as they rode up the final stretch in advance of the Tour riders.

The recently opened Stover Trail between Bovey Tracey and Newton Abbot is a great route for cyclists and walkers. It is also a great example of the hard work Teignbridge District Council is doing with Devon County Council to deliver more and improved cycle provisions. This work is already paying dividends with cycle counters showing year on year increases of cycle trips on new trails. To find out more about routes and maps for the area visit www.new.devon.gov.uk/travel/cycle/cycle-routes/

Harry Birchill said: “We are lucky to live in a biker’s paradise and have always ridden as a family, learning to ride almost before I could walk. But all the support from clubs, schools sports partnership and schools has been a major factor in helping me succeed.

“We’re really excited that the Tour of Britain has returned to Haytor. There aren’t many sports that bring international athletes right to our doorstep and we were there cheering them on.”

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council’s Executive Spokesman for Recreation and Leisure said:

“Teignbridge is a truly wonderful place to get out on your bike and explore the range of cycling routes that are easy to access. We are privileged to have such great opportunities on our doorstep, with something for all cycling ages and abilities to enjoy and explore.

“It is wonderful to see the next generation embracing cycling. This is something which we hope will remain with them through their lives and encourages others to give two wheels a go. With such massive benefits to health, the environment and even the economy, we should be embracing cycling now and for the future.”

Killer Kilburn, Partnership Development Manager for the Dartmoor School Sports Partnership said: “Learning to ride a bike is an important life skill and one that we encourage all kids in Teignbridge to have. Our schools carry out a range of cycling activities from learning to ride, to skill development and racing. It’s a great way to raise physical activity for all abilities, now and in their lives ahead.”