A former John Kyrle High School pupil has put his plans for university on hold and is more determined than ever to become a professional cyclist after a very successful 2016 season.

Local road-racing cyclist Andy Turner has gained enough points to hold an Elite race licence for 2017. This is the highest category of licence issued by British Cycling, and a huge achievement after only three years of competitive cycling.

Having been fortunate to gain entry into several Premier Calendar events this season, Andy is now hoping that his Elite licence will secure him entry into more of these next year. Ultimately, he would like to become a professional cyclist and is taking significant steps towards achieving that goal.

Out of several podium finishes in national ranking races this year, Andy’s most impressive was in the recent West Midlands Regional Championships, a gruelling 85-mile race involving a long, steep climb at the end of each lap.

Andy said:?“The highlight of the month, and probably my whole race season, was the West Midlands Regional Championships.”

Andy found himself up against a number of professional riders, including former Team Pursuit World Champion Andy Tennant. After a successful initial attack from the start which established a lead group, he attacked again and managed to distance these riders, accompanied by Team Wiggins’ Liam Holohan. The two of them worked together to extend this gap over the last lap of the race with Andy finishing in second place overall after Holohan got away from him on the final climb.

Andy had decided to take a gap year to concentrate on his cycling before taking up a place to study Sport & Exercise Science at university. However, his progress has been so good that his further education plans remain on hold.

Andy began his cycling with Climb-on-Bikes Cycling Club in Hereford then spent two years riding for NFTO Race Club, also Hereford-based. During this time, he was spotted by Courtney Rowe of Rowe & King Coaching, who has been his coach for the last two years. This season he has been racing for KTM Impsport RT, an amateur UK trade team showcasing KTM bikes.

Andy is supported by Pedal Potential, a Community Interest Company which identifies and supports talented young athletes. He also manages to fit in a part-time job around his training but this still leaves a shortfall to cover essential cycling-related expenses. If any local businesses are interested in supporting him, and associating themselves with a sport which is steadily growing in popularity around the UK, please get in touch with Andy by email: [email protected]

For more information about Andy’s cycling his blog at www.andyturner132.wordpress.com includes accounts of his career to date.