Belfast cycling club VC Glendale have set out major plans for 2021 in a drive to boost cycling in their west of the city community.
Included in the club’s exciting developments for the season ahead is the formation of a Race Academy team catering for the Under 14 through to Under 23 age brackets plus a dedicated Ladies Cycling group to encourage under-represented female members of the community to get out on their bikes.
Also on the 2021 VC Glendale route will be the staging of cycling safety awareness sessions, road and mountainbike taster sessions aimed at tackling the physical and mental health issures brought about by COVID restrictions.
‘’We have a whole range of initiatives planned for 2021 including the launch of a Race Academy team and are seeking expressions of interest from riders ranging from Under 14 / Under 16, Junior and Under 23 riders.’’ said VC Glendale spokesperson Pearse McCurdy.
‘’The aim of this academy will be to develop young riders in all disciplines to help them become successful senior racers.
‘’What we are looking for from riders is commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn and constantly improve and the ability to work as part of a team.
‘’This team will help develop young riders through a tricky period of racing years and lend them countless years' experience and free coaching.
‘’The academy will help the youth in any way it can but is not able to offer free bikes, equipment or kit.
‘’If this is something you feel that you’d be interested in being a part of, please send your expressions of interest and CV to Colm Watson - vcglendale@btinternet.com
‘’By launching our Ladies Cycling group we aim to encourage under-represented female members of the community to get out on their bikes.’’
VC Glendale will be 40 years old this year, formed in 1981 by a passionate cycling man, Mark Graham, who had a vision of a top-ranked racing club based in west Belfast.
‘’Mark was way ahead of the game and knew all the ins and outs of bike racing happening right across Europe.
‘’He picked the best-looking race jersey for his new club (the Belgium National jersey) and the dream was born.
‘’He recruited the best talent in Belfast to join his team and Glendale never looked back.’’
Sadly, Mark passed away in 1986 in a traffic accident on his way to a Cyclo-Cross race in Rostrevor but the solid foundations he laid by his vision and passion for cycling in west Belfast ensured the club flourished and produced scores of excellent riders.
‘’Many top riders have come through the ranks of VC Glendale in Belgium Blue or the sponsors kit (Planet X, etc) of that year,’’ added McCurdy.
‘’These include top riders like Thomas Evans (Ras winner), Ciaran Power (professional with Linda McCartney), David O’Louglin (Ireland’s first UCI world track medallist), Marytn Irvine (world Track Champion) and Phillip Deignan (Sky Professional and Vuelta Stage winner).
‘’These were all backed up by a strong squad of riders including Brendan Graham, Brendan Doherty, Colm Watson, Barry Monaghan, Denis Easton and Frank Campbell at the helm.
‘’In 2021, VC Glendale are planning on bringing the club back to its former glory with an array of coaching talent and experience of some afore-mentioned riders and a lot of new members and experience.’’
*** For further information on joining VC Glendale cycling club contact Colm Watson at vcglendale@btinternet.com
