Olympic champion opens £45k bike track at Waverley

A new bike track was officially opened at Waverley recently by Former British professional track and road bicycle racer and active travel commissioner Ed Clancy (centre). He was watched by pupils of Waverley Junior Academy and, from left to right: development manager at Harworth Pete Massie, project director James Connelly, regional director for Yorkshire and central Ed Catchpole and national facilities development manager for British Cycling Manus Twomey.

The project was funded by a £45,000 grant from Places to Ride, a partnership between British Cycling, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and Sport England.

The opening event on September 26 included a demonstration of the pump track by Team GB Junior BMX Racer George Hunt before Waverley Junior Academy pupils took part in workshops.

Mr Clancy, active travel commissioner for South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, cut the ribbon.

He said: “It’s a privilege to open this new learn-to-ride cycle track at Waverley.

“I am committed to using my platform to get more people of all ages to walk, cycle, scoot or skate around South Yorkshire, and facilities such as this are key to helping young people develop their cycling confidence and ability.”

Landowners Harworth submitted the bid for funding in partnership with South Yorkshire Housing Association.

Harworth is sponsoring free workshops to be held at the track, which is next to the school, during the October half term. These will be delivered by Tuff Riders and include expert guidance from certified instructors for all skill levels.

Waverley will eventually comprise more than 3,000 homes and 310 acres of green space.

The bike track will become part of Highwall Park, running from the Advanced Manufacturing Park to Waverley Lakes.

Harworth regional director Ed Catchpole said: “The development of Waverley is continuing apace, and this learn-to-ride cycle track is just the latest example of the sustainable community infrastructure Harworth is delivering to make this a great place to live.

“We look forward to working with partners to develop the next generation of cyclists across Rotherham and the wider region.”

The Places to Ride programme has made £15 million available to ensure a lasting legacy in England from the 2019 UCI Road World Championships, which took place in Yorkshire.

Anthony Gill, head of sport at British Cycling, added: “Harworth and South Yorkshire Housing Association are doing great work to get more people cycling in Waverley, so we are pleased to support their efforts.”

Visit https://shorturl.at/cpXY2 to book free places at the half term workshops.