JAKE WOMERSLEY has a busy schedule for 2011 after winning the National Trophy Cyclo Cross Series.
The 15-year-old from Mirfield sealed the crown in fine style with a win in the final round at Rutland Water, Leicestershire, leaving his leading rivals – Billy Harding and Chris Lawless – 22sec and 30sec adrift respectively.
It was a measure of how well the Mirfield Free Grammar student rode throughout the series, and he now moves on from the Under 16 category in very positive mood.
“The win is my best result so far, the highlight of my season and really pleasing,” said Womersley, who has moved from Sowerby Bros to join the team at Aire Valley.
“I really wanted to finish off well, so I was under quite a bit of pressure because I knew Billy Harding was really up for it and was going to be the one to beat.
“I managed to make a really good start and, even after only half a lap, I found myself well in front and was able to go away from there. I was really happy with how it went.”
Womersley began racing only three and a half years ago but he’s already a member of British cycling’s 10-strong Talent Team for the Under 16 age group.
Still, cycling is in his blood.
His grandfather, Brian Robinson, was the first Brit to compete in the Tour de France and the first rider from this country to win a stage in the stellar event.
Womersley’s aunt is Louise Robinson, who won National Cyclo Cross championships.
Both of them were Olympians, and Womersley – who gave up rugby to avoid injuries and concentrate on cycling – is keen to eventually follow in their tyre tracks.
“The road season starts in April and I’ll be riding for Aire Valley in the National Series, which is eight races,” he explained. “I’m also looking forward to some velodrome racing and the National Omnium Series of four events, two of which are in Scotland.
“Anyone who finishes eighth or better in that goes to the Omnium final, when you get the best riders from each county, and then in August there’s the Junior Tour in Assen, Netherlands.
“These are the events I really want to do well in.”
Devoted to his sport, Womersley’s success so far comes on the back of daily training – he has only Tuesdays off – and regular weekend competition. If he’s not racing, he’ll ride 60 to 65 miles on the road.
He’s thankful for the support of his mother, Michelle, and his grandmother for transporting him to events up and down the country – his sister Becky is also a handy competitor – and he also gets help with equipment from his illustrious grandfather and aunt.
“The Talent Team is very good to be involved in because they help with training and give advice on what to do each week,” he explained.
“Further down the line I’m hoping to get into the Under 23 Great Britain Academy and then to ride in the professional stage races, like the Tour de France.
“The Olympics are obviously something which anyone would love to be involved in, but I think the long-distance road races would be where I would ideally like to end up competing as a pro.”
