The Revolution season sees the grande finale at the Manchester Velodrome on January 20th, last year's end of season event sold out with record queues too, so book your tickets in advance while you still can. The season has been a great sucess with exciting line-ups and road stars adding to the exciting new format of the hugely popular 'Future Stars' Series.
The Future Stars
This year DHL Exel Supply Chain committed to a 3 year plan of youth development with Revolution, supporting the first ever regional future stars competition. DHL Exel Supply Chain are also developing a Sprint School to nurture even younger talent with the ultimate aim to provide new ambitious riders into the 'Future Stars' Structure.
Now in its fourth year the 'Future Stars' competition has often provided more action and drama than the elite events and has provided invaluable experience for some of Britain's most promising new talent. At 15 and 16 years of age the Future Stars riders are at the perfect stage to benefit from the racing environment at Revolution. Riders such as Ian Stannard, Ben Swift and Andy Tennant have all moved into British Cycling's Olympic Academy following success in the 'Future Stars' with numerous other riders now part of the Olympic Development programme.
Judging by the talent in the female Future Stars category, Britain should be in for some more medals at future World Champs and Olympics. We ask the current Future Stars leader, Alex Greenfield, what she thinks about starting racing so young and what it's like to race such a prominent series.
SheCycles.com interviews sixteen year old Alex Greenfield, leader of the FutureStars Girls series
When did you start riding on the track?
When I was 8 years old I went to Maindy Stadium in Cardiff, which has an outdoor track, I joined in with the classes, first on my mountain bike and then tried a track bike. I was 9 when I first rode on the Velodrome at Manchester.
How long have you been racing?
Since I first joined the Maindy Flyers at the age of 8 so that's 8 years I've been racing. When I joined the Maindy flyers I raced in the Maindy Mini League, which was run in the summer on the outdoor track, from there I moved on to the National track Series and events across the country. When Newport Velodrome was built it was a huge boost for me as I only live 50 minutes away and so started training there twice a week and this has given me the opportunity to take my racing further and lead me to be able to compete in events like the Revolution.
What influenced you to ride on the track?
I have tried MTB, cycle X, road and track and enjoyed them all but with Newport Velodrome opening I have spent more time on the track and have been lucky enough to do well in this discipline. I used to go mountain biking in the winter as training but this year I will be concentrating on road and track ready for my first year as a junior when I will be taking part in some road races.
What does being a part of the Wales team mean to you?
It's very important as I'm proud to be Welsh, riding for my country is a great honour for me and I love the experience.
Which race at the Revolutions do you prefer? Devil? Scratch? 1 mile?
I like all of them and don't really have a favourite but if I had to pick I would say the Devil.
How are you feeling going into the final round of Revolution?
Quite confident as there's only one round left, I just need to watch my competitors and hopefully come away with a win.
What do you like most about the Revolution series?
It's definitely got to be watching the stars racing like Bradley Wiggins and Chris Hoy. Once I've finished my race its great to watch the elite riders' race as they keep you on the edge of your seat. Riding in front of such a large crowd is a great experience, but to tell you the truth when I actually get into the race I don't think about the crowd at all, just how I'm going to be able to win the race.
How does training work with studies etc?
Trying to fit school work with my training is very hard at times but I'm lucky that my school are understanding and have given me extra time for assignments when I've needed it. My family are also very supportive.
What are your goals for the rest of 2007? Do you have a long term goal for cycling?
I have 2 major goals for this year, to compete in the Junior European and World Track Championships. In the long term my goal has to be to compete in the Olympics.
Up until now I have been riding for my club Cardiff Ajax who have been very supportive, but this year I have been lucky enough to be offered sponsorship by Pinnarello RT. I'm looking forward to this season racing for Pinnarello RT and with my new team mates Jessica Allen, Becky James and Hannah Rich.
Check out the full series results going into the final Revolutions round. We'll have news from the race action next week after the event.
Revolution at the Manchester Velodrome - Saturday 20th January 2007
Doors open at 5.30pm - Racing starts at 7pm - Racing ends at 10pm
Ticket prices - Adults £10 - Children £5 - OAP £5 - Family (2 adults & 2 Children) £22
Ticket lines - 07005 942 579 or 0161 223 2244
Website - www.cyclingrevolution.com
Helen Biggerstaff
