People

It could be because the Isle of Man’s mountainous terrain is great to train on, it could be because the Isle of Man Sports Council offers grants to talented youngsters or it could just be that this is the Isle of Man’s time. 

Reaching dizzy heights, Mark Cavendish.

A group of young Manx cyclists are threatening to take over the British Cycling scene. All hugely competitive, they are also pushing each other on and taking inspiration from Mark Cavendish who is leading the way.

Geoff Karran from the Isle of Man Sports Council is hoping there will be an all Manx Team at the Olympics 2012.

“I’ve spoken to Mark Cavendish about this. He wants 20 year old Peter Kennaugh from Douglas by his side at the Madison in the Olympics. 

“Then it would be an all Manx team representing Britain. Mark is totally convinced if that happens they will win the gold. Now that would be something special.

“The Isle of Man is well and truly punching above its own weight here. For an Island of 80 thousand people we would expect there to be one cyclist on an Olympic programme. 

Peter Kennaugh: determined and talented.

“We have got three local boys competing in the Olympics and another eight or nine who are recognised as being potentials on the next rung of the ladder. For the Manx youngsters it is inspiring because they know they can achieve on the world stage, not just on an Island stage.

20 year old Peter Kennaugh from Douglas regularly trains with Mark Cavendish both on the Isle of Man and abroad. He is now the Junior World Champion in the Scratch race.

“Mark is a strong character but we all are. I think if you are from the Isle of Man, you are going to be a strong character! We all say exactly what we think and we all have a good banter and a good laugh while we are out training. 

“We train hard and we push each other on. Mark is a good guy to train with and he’s a good guy off the bike as well. He tells us all the stories about last year in the Tour de France and the World Championships. It just really inspires you to train harder and I think that’s how we get the best out of each other.

“We have talked quite a lot about the possibility of teaming up in the Olympics Madison in 2012. Coaching staff have talked to us about it as well. It could be a good partnership in terms of technique. Mark and I would compliment each other well although I’ve got a lot of work to do in competitions before then though."

Fellow Olympian and Manxman, Johnny Bellis is another local cycling star who is gaining momentum all the time. He was selected for the Beijing Olympics road race in 2008.

“I know how determined he is and it’s that determination which will get him through the Champs Elysees in the Green jersey this year. I can’t wait.”

Geoff Karran thinks this is the inspiration money just can’t buy. 

“Young riders on the Isle of Man are now getting the chance to train with a world class athlete, not once, but time and time again and Mark is a fascinating character. He’s totally convinced, quite rightly, that he is now the best sprinter in the world. 

Johnny Bellis trains with Cavendish

“There is no doubt in his mind and you need that confidence to succeed. It’s not arrogance; it’s just self- belief. To be a top international world athlete that quality is a prerequisite and this is the kind of attitude which rubs off on the younger athletes he has contact with.

And what about the future? Well maybe The Isle of Man’s National Cycling Coach, Mike Doyle can shed some light on that.

“I reckon in 4 years time there is going to be 4 Manx riders in a team at the Tour de France. There’s Johnny Bellis, Peter Kennaugh, Timmy Kennaugh, Mark Christian and a good clutch of young ones coming up. I think that would be awesome. I feel very proud that some of the local lads now know you can have a career in sport. I’m proud that these guys are taking that career path.”