Josh is helping to shape cycling

A young volunteer from Burgess Hill has been selected by British Cycling to become part of a National Youth Forum and play a key role in shaping the future of cycle sport.

Josh Fanner, 16, is currently a volunteer at Preston Park Youth Cycling Club, which is part of British Cycling’s Go-Ride programme.

He will now join 11 other National Youth “Reps”from clubs across the country, who will focus on developing opportunities for their young peers and providing the chance for others to ride, race and volunteer.

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British Cycling’s Go-Ride programme is a network of cycling clubs, which provide a fun and safe way to introduce young riders to the world of cycle sport.

The aim of the National Youth Forum is to empower young people, who will influence British Cycling initiatives and the future of the programme.

Josh will meet on a quarterly basis with British Cycling HQ and the rest of the National Youth Forum. The inaugural session took place on at Manchester’s National Cycling Centre, where the group set out the aims for the year.

Josh said: “The Olympics in 2008 served as a springboard for the upsurge of interest in cycling in the UK. Opportunities to get involved increased over time and really took off last year with London 2012.

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“Volunteering opportunities are there for those who are motivated to get involved and I’m keen to increase those opportunities for young volunteers in the future.”

John Mills, British Cycling Director of Coaching, Education and Development, said: “It was a very tough application process and we were overwhelmed by the strength of the candidates who put themselves forward for the role.

“Josh has already made a huge impact on cycling in his area through his role as a dedicated volunteer. He added: “We are now keen to give him the opportunity to be the voice of youth riders and help to shape the sport.”

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