JO ROWSELL'S GOLD, THE TOAST OF SUTTON CYCLING CLUB
Jo Rowsell's gold medal in the British women?s team pursuit at the World Championships in Manchester yesterday was the toast of the London Borough of Sutton, where 19-year-old Rowsell began her cycling career with Sutton CC, the acclaimed children?s Go Ride cycling club.
Rowsell (pictured right with her two team-mates), now a member of Nicole Cooke?s Halfords Bikehut professional team, was praised by Britain?s Olympic team boss Dave Brailsford who said her natural ability meant she had a great career ahead of her.
With her team-mates Rebecca Romero and Wendy Houvenaghel, Rowsell rode a superb team pursuit.
Rowsell?s success on Friday night has given Sutton CC a great boost, coming on the day of the third annual Sutton CC Primary Schools Cycling Championships ? unique in the UK - held that same afternoon, and contested by 27 teams totaling 81 nine and 10 year olds from local schools.
For Rowsell?s world title is further testimony to the success of British Cycling?s Go Ride scheme now expanding to reach more schools across the UK.
At the finish of Sutton?s schools cycling championship on a wet and windy Friday, the eager mud-bespattered pupils listened as organiser Peter Fordham looked into his crystal ball and told them about Jo Rowsell. ?Jo began her cycling here, just like you have done. And tonight if you switch on BBC 2 you will see her win her first World?s medal - it may even be gold.?
2008 TRACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: DAILY REPORTS
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Keith Bingham joined the Cycling Weekly team in the summer of 1971, and retired in 2011. During his time, he covered numerous Tours de France, Milk Races and everything in-between. He was well known for his long-running 'Bikewatch' column, and played a pivotal role in fighting for the future of once at-threat cycling venues such as Hog Hill and Herne Hill Velodrome.